August 6: Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year.  According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the district.

In the previous fiscal year 2021/22, the district had produced 9,510 metric tonnes of oranges, while in the year 2020/21, the production stood at 9,310 metric tonnes. This trend signifies a consistent rise in orange production within the district over the years.

The growth in orange farming is attributed to its attractive income potential, prompting farmers to engage in this agricultural venture. Kul Prasad Tiwari, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, stated that farmers are drawn to orange cultivation due to good income the orange farming offers.

The district has possibility for further expansion of orange farming as there is an additional 8,570 hectares of land which can be utilized for the orange cultivation in the district, according to Tiwari.  The majority of the produced oranges are sold outside the district, contributing to trade and commerce.

To continue supporting the growth of orange farming, the Agriculture Knowledge Centre has allocated a budget of Rs 10 million for the ongoing fiscal year 2023/24.