Based on the findings of the research, officials said local farmers can harvest citrus fruits during mid-August and mid-October. Research shows that Okijuwasu variety of orange can be harvested during mid-August to mid-October, while Velencialet variety of sweet orange will be ready for harvest during April-May.[break]
The NORP has also recommended NCRP-49, NCRP-55, NCRP-53 varieties of lime for off-season farming.
Hari Prashad Subedi, senior technical officer of the NORP, said similar researches are being conducted in Dang, Chitwan, Kailali, Morang, Dhankuta, Tehrathum, Sindhuli, Makwanpur and Syangja to recommend appropriate lime variety for farming.
Central hilly region is considered major production area of orange, lemon and sweet orange.
“Once saplings of those citrus fruits are distributed among farmers, orange, sweet orange and lime will be available in the market even during off season,” said Surendra Prasad Srivastav, chief of the program, adding: “This will also help farmers increase their income.”
Related story
Citrus fly infestation worries junar farmers
