December 25: More than 450 farmers in the Ichchhakamana rural municipality are set to collectively earn Rs 100 million this year from the sale of oranges alone in Chitwan, according to the Agriculture Development Section of the rural municipality.

This remarkable achievement is attributed to the high market demand and favourable pricing for the oranges produced by local farmers.  At present a kilogram of oranges fetches between Rs 75 to Rs 90 at the orchards of these farmers, marking a significant increase in income.

Orange cultivation covers 80 hectares of land in the Ichchhakamana rural municipality this year, with actual production taking place on 60 hectares.  Out of the 20,000 orange trees grown in the region, 15,000 trees bore fruits. Although this year's production is slightly lower, the farmers have benefited from the improved pricing.

Ashish Tripathi, the Section Chief, of the rural municipality explained that despite a 12 percent decline in production compared to the previous year, the income for farmers has surged. Last year, the Orange Growing Area Expansion Programme, initiated by the Agriculture Knowledge Centre (AKC), led to the planting of 5,100 orange trees.

While the orange plantation area expanded this year, the area with higher production remained consistent. In specific geographical areas like Ichchhakamana rural municipality and Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29, located in the hilly regions of Chitwan district, orange farming has become a pivotal source of income for local communities. (RSS)