TANAHUN: The Agricultural Development Office in Tanahun has begun collecting detailed information on orange production in the district. The office is gathering on-site data related to both production and marketing in areas where oranges are commercially cultivated.
Tanahun produces oranges worth several millions of rupees each year. According to Information Officer Kiran Pariyar, officials are visiting orchards to observe crop conditions and to inform farmers about existing problems and possible solutions.
Orange production is expected to increase this year compared to last year. However, farmer Dal Bahadur Thapa of Benikot said the problem of orange trees drying up has persisted for the past few years. He added that oranges worth more than Rs 20 million have been sold from Benikot alone this year, with over 100 farmers engaged in orange cultivation in the area.
The Agricultural Development Office reported that oranges worth Rs 425 million were sold from the district last year. At that time, orange farming covered 1,657 hectares, with production of 5,831 metric tons from 968 hectares.
The district has the potential to expand orange cultivation across an area of 8,670 hectares. The office has been providing ongoing support to farmers, particularly in orchard management, to boost production and sustainability.
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