From Tree to Table: How Nepali Oranges Are Harvested & Sold

When winter paints the hills of Nepal in misty white, there's one splash of vibrant color that brings warmth to every home—Nepali oranges. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these citrus fruits travel an amazing journey before reaching your table. But have you ever wondered how exactly these oranges go from a tree in the hills to a fruit basket in Kathmandu—or even overseas?

In this blog post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of Nepal’s orange harvesting process, how they’re sold locally and globally, and why Nepali oranges are becoming a popular export item in South Asia.

🍊 Where Are Oranges Grown in Nepal?

Nepal’s mid-hill regions are a citrus paradise. Some of the most orange-rich districts include:

• Dhading

• Ramechhap

• Sindhuli

• Gulmi

• Salyan

• Lamjung

• Syangja

These regions provide the perfect altitude (800–1,600 meters) and cool climate that oranges love. The Mandarin variety, locally known as "Suntala," is the most common and widely grown.

🌱 The Life Cycle: From Flower to Fruit

1. Blooming Season (March–April): Orange trees start blooming in early spring.

2. Fruit Formation (May–July): Tiny green fruits begin to develop.

3. Maturation (August–October): Fruits grow bigger and start changing color.

4. Harvest Time (November–January): Oranges are handpicked at peak ripeness.

Unlike other crops, Nepali oranges are grown organically, with minimal pesticide use. Farmers often rely on traditional composting methods to keep trees healthy and soil fertile.

🧺 Harvesting: A Delicate, Manual Job

Harvesting is mostly done by hand using simple tools. Farmers or hired seasonal workers:

• Carefully pluck ripe oranges using clippers or by hand

• Avoid bruising to maintain shelf life

• Sort fruits by size, color, and ripeness

The harvested oranges are packed in bamboo baskets or plastic crates and transported via mules, tractors, or jeeps—depending on how remote the orchard is.

🛒 Local Sales & Distribution

Most oranges first go to local markets and cooperatives, where:

• Farmers sell directly to middlemen or traders

• Prices vary depending on season, size, and demand

• Oranges are distributed to wholesalers in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar

Fun fact: Some districts like Sindhuli even host annual orange festivals to promote local citrus farming!

🌍 Exporting Nepali Oranges: A Growing Opportunity

Nepali oranges are now gaining recognition in India, Bangladesh, and even the Middle East.

Export process includes:

• Sorting and grading

• Packing in export-friendly cartons

• Cold storage and transport

• Customs clearance and compliance with phytosanitary standards

With rising global demand for organic and naturally ripened fruits, Nepal’s orange industry is showing real export potential.

🧃 What Makes Nepali Oranges Special?

• Naturally sweet and juicy

• Low in chemical residues

• Grown in high-altitude, clean environments

• Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants

These oranges aren't just delicious—they support thousands of farming families across the country.

💡 Tips for Buyers & Exporters

If you're looking to buy or export Nepali oranges:

• Source directly from local cooperatives or government-registered farms

• Make sure your supplier follows quality and hygiene standards

• Buy during the peak harvest season (November–January) for best taste and shelf life

Conclusion

From the orange groves in Dhading to the breakfast table in Kathmandu—or even a market in Delhi—Nepali oranges tell a story of tradition, hard work, and pure flavor. Supporting these fruits means supporting rural livelihoods, organic farming, and local economies.

So next time you peel a juicy orange from Nepal, remember the mountain breeze, the smiling farmer, and the journey it took to reach you. 🍊✨