SUNSARI: Farmers in the eastern hill districts are enthusiastic after orange production increased this year compared to last year.
Oranges produced by farmers from Dhankuta’s Khoku, Chintang, Budhuk, as well as Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar, and other eastern hill districts are being supplied to the agricultural produce market in Dharan Sub-metropolitan City–13.
According to Laxman Bhattarai, Chairman of the Dharan Agricultural Market Management Committee, the volume of oranges entering the Dharan market during November and December has increased by about 25 percent compared to last year. He added that orange turnover has risen by around 30 percent this year.
Bhattarai said the increase in turnover is also due to the expansion of orange cultivation areas in recent years. Oranges began arriving at the market from November and are expected to continue until mid-January.
“If transportation, grading, packaging, and branding are managed properly, market expansion would be more effective, as oranges from the Koshi Corridor are known for their taste and sweetness,” he said.
Bhojpur-based farmer Pradeep Rai said that while he used to sell 20 to 30 metric tons of oranges annually, production dropped to 16 metric tons last year. “This year, however, we have sold 12 metric tons more within just two months,” he said.
Although prices have remained unchanged, Rai said higher production is expected to result in better income. He has been involved in orange farming for the past 13 years.
Another trader, Ashok Rai, attributed the production increase to favorable weather conditions during the fruit-bearing season. He said rainfall did not cause significant damage this year, and incidents of diseases and pests were minimal.
“Farmers have started expanding orange cultivation in fields previously used for maize and paddy, as oranges provide better returns,” he said, adding that prices have remained stable for the past four years. Currently, oranges are being sold at Rs 30 to Rs 80 per kilogram, depending on size.
Trader Tikaram Shrestha, who has been operating at the Dharan Agricultural Market for the past 22 years, said he sells more than 1,200 quintals of oranges annually. According to him, oranges from Dharan are supplied to Damak, Kakarbhitta, Jhapa, and western regions of the country. He noted that orange production tends to alternate between high and low yields each year, contributing to this year’s increase.
Kaji Giri, Chairman of the Agricultural Market Management Committee, said oranges have arrived in abundance this year and that all produce brought to the market is being sold smoothly. Currently, 30 to 40 metric tons of oranges are traded daily at the Dharan Agricultural Market.
At present, oranges are selling at Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kilogram in the market, though prices fluctuate by season, ranging from Rs 70 to Rs 130 per kilogram. According to market statistics, around 5,000 metric tons of oranges were traded last year, generating a turnover of approximately Rs 600 million. This year, sales are estimated to reach about 20,000 metric tons.
Oranges supplied to the Dharan market come from eastern hill districts including Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Tehrathum, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, and Khotang. From Dharan, traders transport oranges to markets in Itahari, Inaruwa, Biratnagar, Birtamod, Damak, and various districts of Madhesh Province.
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