Orange sales in Sankhuwasabha exceed Rs 340 million this year
According to Chatra Bishwa Karma, head of the Agricultural Knowledge Center in the district, a total of Rs 348.5 million worth of oranges have been sold so far.
KATHMANDU: This year, Sankhuwasabha district has seen orange sales surpass Rs 340 million, reflecting a significant increase in trade due to a rise in production.
According to Chatra Bishwa Karma, head of the Agricultural Knowledge Center in the district, a total of Rs 348.5 million worth of oranges have been sold so far.
While orange production had been on a steady decline in recent years, this year’s growth is promising.
“The district grows local varieties of oranges. The implementation of the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Modernization Project, including the Orange Zone and farmer incentive programs, has helped boost production,” said Bishwa Karma.
Last year, the district sold oranges worth Rs 199.39 million, whereas this year’s sales have already exceeded Rs 340 million.
The district has produced 3,485 metric tons of oranges and 115 metric tons of kiwis this year, according to the Agricultural Knowledge Center.
The increase in production is attributed to both favorable weather conditions and the technical assistance provided to farmers through the project.
Out of the district’s 1,148 hectares of arable land, 620 hectares are dedicated to orange cultivation.
The oranges are currently being sold at Rs 100 per kilogram.
Commercial orange farming is concentrated in the municipalities of Madi, Khandbari, and Chainpur in Sankhuwasabha.
The locally grown oranges are distributed to markets across the eastern Terai and even reach Kathmandu.
