BHOJPUR: Farmers in Chinamkhu, Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-2, Bhojpur, have increasingly shifted from traditional food crops to commercial orange farming, turning orchards into a major source of income in the area.
Locals say orange cultivation has become an attractive alternative to subsistence farming, as it requires relatively low labour, provides long-term yield after a single plantation, and ensures steady income over the years. As a result, farmers have begun expanding orange orchards even on fallow and marginal lands.
According to Jiwan Rai, a ward member of Temkemaiyung-2, farmers in Chinamkhu are earning between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 7 lakh annually from orange sales. “Income varies depending on the size and management of the orchard,” he said. “Farmers who earlier cultivated only for household consumption have now adopted commercial farming. It has become a reliable source of income.”
Commercial orange production is concentrated in areas such as Bartang, Chamlakha, Kotachung, Raikhim, Thata, Rithabote, Ratomate and Devithan. Locals say the fruits produced in the region are of good quality and are in high demand in the market.
With road access reaching the village, traders now directly visit orchards to purchase oranges, reducing marketing challenges for farmers.
Local farmer Rudra Bahadur Bista said income from orange farming has helped households manage daily expenses, support children’s education, and cover healthcare costs. Some farmers have also begun reinvesting earnings into other agricultural activities.
Ward support and emerging challenges
Seeing the growing potential of orange farming, the ward office has been implementing support programmes, including distribution of improved saplings, technical assistance, training, and orchard management awareness campaigns, said Ward Chair Balchandra Rai.
“The lower belt of our ward is highly suitable for orange production,” he said. “This farming practice has helped utilize barren land and created local employment opportunities.”
Despite its success, farmers have recently faced technical challenges, including leaf yellowing, greyish-white spots on fruits, and gradual drying of plants.
Agricultural technicians say areas between 800 and 1,500 metres above sea level are most suitable for citrus farming. Locals believe Chinamkhu’s favourable soil, climate, and geography will further strengthen its potential as a commercial orange-producing hub in the future.
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