In Nepal, orange is locally known as suntala. Orange is the national fruit of Nepal. The government of Nepal declared Orange a national fruit on April 12, 2024. Communication and Information Technology Minister Rekha Sharma announced based on a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Before this, there was no official national fruit of Nepal. Orange is a very famous fruit in Nepal. Different districts are suitable for orange production in Nepal. The government plans to develop it as a pocket area.
Oranges grow mainly in the hilly regions of Nepal. The climate of the hill is perfect for orange cultivation. Districts like Sindhuli, Gorkha, Ramechhap, Dhankuta, Syangja, and Ilam. are famous for producing high-quality oranges.
In this article, we will discuss everything about oranges in Nepal, from where they grow, their health benefits, and how they contribute to the country's economy.
Why is orange the national fruit of Nepal?
There are many fruits produced in Nepal. Among them, Farmers produce a lot of oranges every year. Looking at the geographical structure of Nepal, there are plenty of suitable places for oranges. Most of our country is spread over hills and mountains. Therefore, the climate is cold here. Which is suitable for oranges.
According to the National Fruit Development Center, 42 districts of Nepal are suitable for orange cultivation. According to the Agriculture Ministry, more than 27 thousand hectares of land produce oranges in Nepal. In 2078/79, more than 180,000 metric tons of oranges had been produced in Nepal. According to the National Fruit Development Center, orange farming employs 700,000 people every year directly or indirectly. In addition, the annual turnover of commercial orange farming is worth Rs 30.614 million. Similarly, Nepal has started to export the orange to India, Bangladesh & others.
Most of the region of Nepal are suitable for otange farming. The scope of commerical orange farming is increasing day by day. It also contributes to the national economy as well.
Looking at the current market, commercial production and cultivation of oranges in Nepal has great potential. So, Orange is the national fruit of Nepal.
Season of Orange in Nepal
The harvest season of orange in Nepal falls between October to January. The peak harvest period is usually around December, making oranges widely available in markets across Nepal during the winter months.
