National fruit of Nepal

Orange is Officially declared the national fruit of Nepal on B.S 2080 Chaitra 30, by the Nepalese government. On April 12, 2024, the Nepalese government made a delicious declaration: the orange is now the country's official national fruit. This significant decision, made during a cabinet meeting, recognizes the vital role this vibrant citrus fruit plays in Nepal's agricultural landscape and economy.

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

  June 21, 2025    Admin

National Fruit Of Nepal
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. 🍊✨

  

National Fruit of Nepal: Orange
The orange is more than just a fruit in Nepal — it’s a symbol of health, prosperity, and cultural pride. Grown in the scenic mid-hills of Nepal, oranges are vital to the local economy, used in religious festivals like Dashain and Tihar, and enjoyed for their sweet, juicy flavor. Discover the powerful story behind Nepal’s national fruit and why it holds a special place in the heart of every Nepali.

🍊 National Fruit of Nepal - FAQ

The Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata) was officially declared the national fruit of Nepal on April 12, 2024. It was chosen to promote its agricultural value and national branding.
Nepali oranges are widely cultivated in the mid-hill regions such as Dhankuta, Sindhuli, Syangja, and Ramechhap.
Nepali oranges are small, juicy, and rich in flavor due to the unique climate and soil of the hill regions where they are grown.
Besides being eaten fresh, oranges in Nepal are used in juices, chutneys, marmalade, and dried fruit snacks.