POKHARA: Gandaki Province produced 55,935 metric tons of oranges this year, fetching around Rs 2.7 billion, according to the Provincial Agriculture Development Directorate.

The hilly areas of the Province, known as pocket area for orange production, recorded 10 per cent increase in its annual yield, informed Directorate’s Chief Basudev Regmi.

Farmers in hilly districts in the Gandaki Province, overwhelmed with the bumper production of oranges, are excitedly keeping busy in plucking and selling the citrus fruit.

Chief Regmi shared that 30 per cent oranges were still in trees and remained to be plucked and sold.

Among the nine highest orange producing districts in the Province, Syangja produced 15,180 metric tons this year while Lamjung recorded only 715 metric tons, said the Directorate.

Farmers are selling orange for Rs 50 per kilogram, informed Chief Regmi. Although farmers sell for fewer prices initially, those left in the plants and kept in the old stores later fetch them handsome price, he added.