The national fruit of Nepal is the Mandarin Orange, locally called Suntala (सुन्तला/नेपालको राष्ट्रिय फल). It was officially declared by Nepal's Council of Ministers on April 12, 2024 (Chaitra 30, 2080 BS), making it the country's first-ever government-designated national fruit, chosen for its scale of cultivation, economic contribution, and nutritional value.

What is the national fruit of Nepal?

The Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata) holds the official title of national fruit of Nepal. Announced through a Cabinet decision on April 12, 2024, the designation followed a formal proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, based on a review by the National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center Genebank.

Was there a national fruit of Nepal before 2024?

No fruit held official national status before April 2024 — Nepal simply had no formal designation. Mango was the most widely cited unofficial favorite in the Terai plains, while litchi and bael (Marmelos) come up in some regional discussions. Suntala is the only fruit ever to receive the official title.

Why was orange chosen as Nepal's national fruit?

• Cultivated across 42+ districts, more than any other fruit crop in Nepal
• Supports 700,000+ farming households and contributes roughly Rs 30.6 billion annually to the economy
• Thrives specifically in Nepal's mid-hill belt (800–1,600m), making it a geographically distinctive crop
• Carries strong nutritional value (high in Vitamin C) relevant to public health

Cultural significance

In Nepali culture, oranges are far more than a fruit. They're a staple of winter diets, a festive offering during Tihar and Dashain, and a symbol of warmth and hospitality in the snowy hill regions.

Agricultural importance

Mandarin Oranges thrive on Nepal's mid-hills, particularly in Syangja, Dhankuta, Gorkha, Kaski, Parbat, Lamjung, and Bhojpur, where altitude, soil, and climate combine to produce sweet, juicy fruit. For full production data by province and district, see our Orange Farming in Nepal guide.

Health and nutrition

Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and water content, Suntala supports immunity and digestion, making it a preferred fruit across all age groups. Read our full breakdown in Health Benefits of Nepali Oranges.

Our purpose

This site exists to document and promote the Mandarin Orange as Nepal's national fruit. We aim to:

• Educate readers about Nepal's citrus heritage
• Support local farmers and rural agriculture
• Highlight the fruit's nutritional, economic, and cultural importance
• Strengthen Nepal's agricultural brand domestically and internationally

Sustainability commitment

We promote traditional, eco-friendly citrus cultivation that protects biodiversity, improves farmer livelihoods, and preserves Nepal's mid-hill environment for future generations.