Yield of Darjeeling oranges in danger!

Darjeeling is famous for its oranges but exporters, of late, here believe that high export duties, viral and fungal infections, pest attacks and poor farming practices are posing a serious threat to the extremely popular Darjeeling oranges. The issue of high export duty of Darjeeling Oranges is also being taken up by fruit exporters in Siliguri.

Kalimpong (West Bengal): West Bengal's Darjeeling district is popular for its oranges, which are exported to many countries. But exporters of oranges based in this part of the world are an unhappy lot because of the low production of the fruit and the high export duties.

Exporters believe that high export duties, viral and fungal infections, pest attacks and poor farming practices are posing a serious threat to the extremely popular Darjeeling oranges.

Experts at the North Bengal Agriculture University (NBAU) have said that erratic rainfall this year in the North Bengal Hills has also been a major cause behind the low yield of Darjeeling oranges.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Professor Dr Sharad Gurung of the NBAU said, “The scent and sweetness of the Darjeeling oranges make it unique. These two distinct characters of the oranges not only make them stand apart, but also create huge demand in the domestic as well as international market. But, several factors including that of pest attacks have taken a toll on the production. Even the Centre is worried about it and has designed a programme through the university to check the damage."

“We have decided to impart training to 50 orange growers this year. The training programme will focus on the scientific growing of saplings, tackle pest attacks and maintenance of the orange trees. Lack of scientific information for growing new plants is also something which we are trying to address. The process will continue,” said Dr Gurung.

The issue of high export duty of Darjeeling Oranges is also being taken up by fruit exporters in Siliguri.

“Our export duty is 100 per cent, whereas Bhutan oranges, with 50 per cent duty is flooding the market. Bangladesh is one of our biggest importers, but sales have dropped significantly because of low yield," complained one of the fruit merchants.

Orange growers are now pinning their hopes on the training programme of NBAU to counter the virus and pest damaging their produce.

It is to be noted that the Oranges produced here are especially famous in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. But the business community faces tough competition in selling its goods due to lack of concern shown by the Government.