DAMAULI: Farmers in Tanahun have earned Rs 425 million from the sale of oranges this year, marking a significant increase compared to the Rs 300 million earned last year.
According to authorities, both orange production and cultivation have risen this year.
Oranges were cultivated over 1,657 hectares of land, with 968 hectares yielding fruit, producing a total of 5,831 metric tons of oranges. In comparison, last year’s harvest amounted to 3,750 metric tons.
Authorities highlighted that the production is particularly strong in Devghat, Shuklagandaki, and Myagde rural municipalities.
For example, Suknarayan Shrestha from Umachok, Myagde Rural Municipality-3, earned Rs 7 million from his orange sales this year. In Devghat Rural Municipality-3, one household sold oranges worth up to Rs 2 million.
Farmer Bhim Bahadur Rana shared that over Rs 30 million worth of oranges were sold in his ward this year.
Local farmers, who once faced challenges with poor harvests, are now reaping the benefits of good orange yields, as noted by farmer Prem Thapa.
Authorities have projected the potential to expand orange cultivation across 8,570 hectares in Tanahun, with ongoing support for orchard management.
Key areas for expansion include Devghat-2 and 3, Aanbukhaireni-5, Myagde-4, Byas-7, 13, and 14, Bhimad-8 and 9, Bandipur-3, Rishing-3, and Ghiring.
Most of the oranges produced in Tanahun are purchased by traders from Kathmandu, with some also sold in Pokhara and Narayangadh.
Local markets in Damauli, Dulegowda, Khairenitar, and Bhimad also see sales, as traders frequently visit the orchards to buy fresh oranges.
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