BHOJPUR: Orange farming has emerged as a reliable and lucrative source of income for farmers in Nepal’s Bhojpur district, significantly improving their living standards.
With the expansion of road connectivity and market access, farmers engaged in commercial orange cultivation are earning higher returns, strengthening their economic conditions.
Previously, limited transportation forced farmers to sell oranges only in local markets. Improved road access has now enabled the fruit to reach markets in other districts, attracting contractors directly to orchards.
“Earlier, we depended on local buyers, but now traders come straight to the orchards to purchase oranges,” said Devraj Rai, a farmer from Khawa Kerabari, Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality–5.
Rai, who has planted around 200 orange trees on 22 ropanis of land, earns approximately Rs 500,000 annually. “This is the peak season for oranges,” he said. “Oranges are being sold throughout the village, and I earn about five hundred thousand rupees every year.”
Around 120 households in the area are engaged in commercial orange cultivation. Farmers say selling orchards in bulk to contractors has reduced the burden of retail marketing. Thanks to improved road infrastructure, oranges produced in rural villages are now transported to major markets including Dharan, Itahari, Birtamod, Biratnagar, Kathmandu, and other cities.
Orange farming has gained popularity among farmers due to its long productive lifespan and stable returns. As it has become the primary income source for many residents, local governments have introduced incentive programs to encourage production.
Ward Chair Sunil Rai of Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality–5 said the ward has identified pocket areas to promote orange cultivation and provide necessary support to farmers. “Farmers here are earning substantial income from oranges, and the ward is committed to strengthening this sector,” he said.
Under the Agriculture Pocket Program, the ward allocated Rs 200,000 last year to distribute improved orange saplings to farmers.
According to the Agricultural Knowledge Center, Bhojpur, the district produced 6,293 metric tons of oranges last year. Officials said data on this year’s production is currently being compiled as harvesting and market supply continue.
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