Oranges worth around Rs 3 billion produced in Gandaki State this year

KATHMANDU: Gandaki State produced 55,935 metric tonnes of oranges this year, fetching around Rs 2.7 billion, according to the State Agriculture Development Directorate.

The hilly areas of the State, known as a pocket area for orange production, recorded 10 percent increase in its annual yield, informed Directorate’s Chief Basudev Regmi.

Farmers in hilly districts in the Gandaki State, overwhelmed with the bumper production of oranges, are excitedly keeping busy in plucking and selling the citrus fruit.

Chief Regmi shared that 30 percent of oranges were still in trees and remained to be plucked and sold.

Among the nine highest orange-producing districts in the Province, Syangja produced 15,180 metric tonnes this year while Lamjung recorded only 715 metric tonnes, said the Directorate.

Farmers are selling oranges for Rs 50 per kilogramme, informed Chief Regmi.

Although farmers sell for fewer prices initially, those left in the plants and kept in the old stores later fetch them handsome prices, he added.