Why was the orange chosen as the national fruit of Nepal?

The orange was chosen because it thrives in Nepal's mid-hill regions (1,000–1,500m altitude), provides livelihoods for over 700,000 farmers across 42 districts, generates Rs 30.6 billion annually, and holds deep cultural significance in Nepali festivals and daily life.

What is the National Fruit of Nepal? Facts & Name Explained

Q: What is the national fruit of Nepal?

The national fruit of Nepal is the Mandarin Orange, locally known as Suntala or Junar (scientific name: Citrus reticulata). It was officially declared on April 12, 2024 by the Government of Nepal's Council of Ministers.

Q: When was the orange declared as Nepal's national fruit?

The orange was officially declared the national fruit of Nepal on April 12, 2024 (Chaitra 30, 2080 BS) by the Nepalese government's Council of Ministers, following a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Q: What was the national fruit of Nepal before 2024?

Nepal had no officially declared national fruit before April 2024. The Mandarin Orange (Suntala) is the first and only officially designated national fruit in Nepal's history.

Q: Can tourists visit orange farms in Nepal?

Yes. Many orange-growing regions in Nepal, including Syangja, Tanahun, and Kaski, have developed agro-tourism programs where visitors can tour farms, learn about cultivation, and harvest fresh Suntala oranges.

Quick Answer

What is the National Fruit of Nepal?

The national fruit of Nepal is the Mandarin Orange, locally known as Suntala (also called Junar). It was officially declared by the Government of Nepal's Council of Ministers on April 12, 2024 (Chaitra 30, 2080 BS), following a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

🍊 Mandarin Orange (Suntala) 📅 Declared: वि.सं. २०८० चैत ३० गते ( April 12, 2024 ) 🌿 Citrus reticulata 👨‍🌾 700,000+ farmers 💰 Rs 30.6 Billion/year

On April 12, 2024, the Nepalese government made a landmark declaration: the Mandarin Orange (Suntala) is now Nepal's official national fruit. This decision by the Council of Ministers recognises the vital role this citrus fruit plays in Nepal's agriculture, economy, and culture — making it the first officially declared national fruit in Nepal's history.

Local Name: Suntala / Junar Scientific: Citrus reticulata Province: Gandaki (Top Hub) Altitude: 1,000–1,500m Districts: 42 suitable

🔍 Diagnose: Why Is Suntala Nepal's National Fruit?

Not sure why the government picked the orange? Use our interactive diagnoser to understand the exact reason based on what you care about most.

Why Was the Orange Chosen as Nepal's National Fruit?

Nepal's diverse climate and fertile mid-hill soil create ideal conditions for Mandarin Orange cultivation. But the selection was about far more than geography — it was an economic, cultural, and nutritional decision.

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Reason 1: Abundant Production Across Nepal Key Factor ▼

Oranges are cultivated across 42 districts of Nepal, covering over 27,892 hectares of land. In 2024/25, total national production reached approximately 211,779 metric tons. No other fruit comes close in terms of geographic spread and volume.

Gandaki Province leads with 5,703 ha and 66,578 MT
Koshi Province: 5,612 ha — 64,824 MT
Top districts: Syangja, Tanahun, Dhankuta, Gulmi

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Reason 2: Massive Economic Impact Economic ▼

Orange farming is a backbone of Nepal's rural economy. The industry generates an estimated Rs 30.6 billion annually and directly or indirectly supports 700,000+ farming households across the country.

Tanahun district alone: Rs 425 million in 2024/25
Syangja (national leader): Rs 1.12 billion/year
Exports to India, Bangladesh, and beyond
PM Agriculture Modernization Project boosting yields

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Reason 3: Nutritional Powerhouse Health ▼

One Suntala orange provides over 100% of daily Vitamin C needs. It is a cornerstone of the Nepali winter diet and plays a central role in community health, especially in remote hill regions with limited access to supplements.

Rich in Vitamin C, folate, potassium, and flavonoids
Over 85% water content — excellent for hydration
Supports immunity, heart health, and digestion
Featured in national school nutrition programs

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Reason 4: Deep Cultural Significance Cultural ▼

Suntala is more than food — it is the "Golden Harvest of the Hills." Oranges appear in Nepali festivals, are gifted as symbols of hospitality, and define the winter landscape of the mid-hills with their vivid colour.

Seasonal Junar festivals attract agro-tourism visitors
Orange stalls are iconic in Kathmandu winter markets
Symbol of prosperity and resilience for hill farmers
Promoted in national branding campaigns abroad

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Reason 5: Unique Geographical Representative Geography ▼

The Mandarin Orange thrives specifically in Nepal's Himalayan mid-hills between 1,000m and 1,500m altitude — a belt found nowhere else in quite the same way. This makes it a uniquely geographical symbol of Nepal's diverse climate zones.

Cannot be easily replicated in Terai or high mountains
Mid-hill climate gives Suntala its distinctive sweetness
Ties national identity to Nepal's unique topography

Orange Production by Province (2024/25)

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) Preliminary Reports 2024/25.

Province	Area (ha)	Production (MT)	Key Districts
Koshi	5,612	64,824	Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Ilam
Madhesh	285	1,854	Sarlahi, Dhanusa
Bagmati	2,845	26,510	Dhading, Kavre
Gandaki	5,703	66,578	Syangja, Tanahun, Gorkha
Lumbini	2,415	27,652	Gulmi, Palpa
Karnali	1,480	16,235	Dailekh, Salyan
Sudurpashchim	860	8,126	Doti, Dadeldhura
TOTAL	19,200	211,779	42 districts nationwide

Can Tourists Visit Orange Farms in Nepal?

Yes — and it has become increasingly popular. Many orange-growing regions, particularly in Syangja, Tanahun, Kaski, Myagde, and Devghat, have embraced agro-tourism. Visitors can tour working orchards, participate in the harvest between October and January, and purchase fresh Suntala directly from farmers. Areas like Myagde, Devghat, and Shuklagandaki have become "super-zones" for organic orange exports to Kathmandu and Pokhara.

नेपालको राष्ट्रिय फल — सुन्तला

नेपाल सरकारको मन्त्रिपरिषद् बैठकले वि.सं. २०८० चैत ३० गते (अप्रिल १२, २०२४) मा सुन्तलालाई नेपालको राष्ट्रिय फल घोषणा गरेको हो। यो घोषणा कृषि तथा पशुपंछी विकास मन्त्रालयको प्रस्तावमा आधारित थियो। सुन्तला (वैज्ञानिक नाम: Citrus reticulata) नेपालको मध्यपहाडी भेगमा ठूलो मात्रामा उत्पादन हुन्छ र यसले ७ लाखभन्दा बढी किसानहरूको जीविका धान्छ।

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the national fruit of Nepal? ▼

The national fruit of Nepal is the Mandarin Orange, locally known as Suntala or Junar (scientific name: Citrus reticulata). It was officially declared on April 12, 2024 by the Government of Nepal.

When was the orange declared as Nepal's national fruit? ▼

The orange was officially declared Nepal's national fruit on April 12, 2024 (Chaitra 30, 2080 BS) by the Council of Ministers, based on a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

What was the national fruit of Nepal before 2024? ▼

Nepal had no officially declared national fruit before April 2024. The Mandarin Orange (Suntala) is the first and only official national fruit in Nepal's history. Previously, the mango and lapsi were sometimes mentioned informally, but neither held official status.

Why was orange chosen as national fruit of Nepal? ▼

The orange was chosen for five main reasons: (1) it is widely cultivated across 42 districts, (2) it supports 700,000+ farming households, (3) it generates Rs 30.6 billion annually, (4) it is rich in Vitamin C and nutritionally vital, and (5) it is uniquely suited to Nepal's mid-hill altitude of 1,000–1,500m.

Can tourists visit orange farms in Nepal? ▼

Yes. Orange farm agro-tourism is growing in Nepal, especially in Syangja, Tanahun, Kaski, and Myagde. The best time to visit is between October and January during the harvest season, when tourists can pick fresh oranges and tour working orchards.

🍊 Nepal's National Treasure

The Mandarin Orange is more than a fruit — it is a symbol of Nepal's agricultural identity, the resilience of hill farmers, and the nation's commitment to celebrating what grows from its own soil. Whether you enjoy a fresh Suntala from a Kathmandu market stall, visit an orchard in Syangja, or read about its economic power, this citrus gem tells the story of Nepal at its most vibrant.