Syangja produces oranges worth Rs. 1.12 billion

By Arjun Kafle,Syangja, Dec. 19: Syangja, a leading district in orange production, has produced oranges worth Rs. 1.12 billion this year. Out of 2,280 hectares of orange plantations in the district, 1,370 hectares have yielded fruit.

This fiscal year, 97 metric tonnes more oranges have been produced compared to the previous fiscal year, which recorded a total production of 19,087 metric tonnes. 

Of the total production, 10 per cent (2,084.2 metric tonnes) is consumed locally, while the remaining oranges are supplied to other districts.

Though the production increased, the average price dropped by four rupees per kilogram compared to last year, resulting in a revenue decline of Rs. 20.51.

Last year, oranges were sold at an average price of Rs. 60 per kilogram, whereas this year the average price stands at Rs. 56 per kilogram. Syangja’s oranges, known for their juiciness and smooth pulp, remain popular among consumers.

The Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernisation Orange Super Zone conducted harvesting in 42 orchards to publish the average production data. 

Ajay Adhikari, Senior Agricultural Development Officer at the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernisation Orange Super Zone, said that the area of productive orchards has increased by 50 hectares this year.He further mentioned that 130 hectares of new orange plantations have been added compared to the previous fiscal year. 

Each hectare yielded an average of 14.66 metric tonnes of oranges this year, slightly up from last year’s productivity of 14.46 metric tonnes.

Among the 11 local levels in the district, Putalibazar Municipality leads the production, followed by Bhirkot, Waling, and Galyang Municipalities, as well as Arjun Chaupari. 

New pocket areas have been developed in Biruwa, Andhikhola, Fedikhola, and Harinas Rural Municipalities.

According to Information Officer and Agricultural Officer Pratibha Budhathoki Kshetri, 60 per cent of the planted orange trees yielded fruit, while 40 per cent (910 hectares) consisted of new saplings.

The office estimates that orange production will continue to increase annually as new areas expand and more trees begin to bear fruit. Individual farmers in the region produce between Rs. 100,000 and 5 million worth of oranges each year.