In 2025, the Gulmi district's orange production reached a value of approximately USD 1.85 million. The Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Gulmi, reported that this year's production value increased from the previous year's USD 1.74 million.
According to Naresh Dhital, chief of the center, last year, the district exported oranges worth USD 0.89 million to other districts. This year, exports have increased to USD 0.97 million.
Ganga Pokharel, chief of the Prime Minister's Agriculture Modernisation Project Gulmi, attributed the production rise to new trees bearing fruit, timely fertilizer application, effective irrigation, and technical consultations. Over 95% of the district's orange trees are biju trees, known for their extended fruit-bearing period.
While orange cultivation is traditional in the region, some farmers have reported challenges like root and stem rot.
The Citrus Fruit Zone Programme has been implemented in 37 wards across 12 municipalities within the district. Under the Prime Minister's Agriculture Modernisation Project, specific areas are designated for structured orange farming, including Purkotdaha in Madane Rural Municipality, Pipal Dhara in Dhurkot Rural Municipality, and Limgha in Satyawati Rural Municipality.
The Agriculture Knowledge Centre is working on identifying and commercializing various orange varieties to promote sustainable citrus fruit development. Efforts include orchard management through orchard improvement, fertilizer management, irrigation, and tree pruning.
Key orange production areas in Gulmi include Nayagaun and Pipal Dhara in Dhurkot Rural Municipality, Lumcha, Shringha in Chhatrakot, Bhadgaun in Resunga Municipality, Musidanda and Chautara in Rurukshetra, Arlangkot in Musikot Municipality, Gaudakot in Gulmi Durbar, Arbani and Jaykhani in Kaligandaki, Remi in Chandrakot, and Bhanbhane in Satyawati and Madane.
Source: The Rising Nepal
