Orange production in Parbat district jumped 25 percent to more than 4,000 tonnes this year as farmers expanded their orange groves prompted by higher prices. Growers in the district located in the western mountain region expect to earn Rs 200 million from the fruit this season. A few years back, farmers used to sell the oranges growing on the trees to middlemen without picking them, and they would get paid at the rate of Rs 1 for 15 oranges. The growers also consumed their orange harvests themselves or gave them away as gifts to their relatives due to the low market prices. However, with the construction of roads and proliferation of cooperatives, markets have expanded for orange farmers and they are now making good money. Farmers said that they received Rs 50 for a kg of oranges this year. According to the District Agriculture Development Office, orange groves cover 600 hectares in the district and the fruit is commercially produced in 18 VDCs. More than 3,000 households are involved in growing oranges.
