Dhorpatan (Baglung): Baglung district has recorded orange sales worth Rs 264.6 million this year, despite a slight decline in overall production. Farmers, however, have benefited from higher prices compared to last year, according to the Agricultural Knowledge Center Baglung.

The district produced 4,071 metric tons of oranges, a decrease of 28 metric tons from last year's 4,100 metric tons. However, due to an increase in selling prices, farmers earned Rs 18.6 million more than last year, said Information Officer Santosh Adhikari.

Last year, the minimum price per kilogram was Rs 60, while this year it rose to Rs 65. As a result, total sales increased from Rs 246 million last year to Rs 264.6 million this year.

The drop in production was attributed to lack of timely rainfall and insufficient winter irrigation, Adhikari stated.

According to the Agricultural Knowledge Center, oranges are cultivated across 655 hectares in Baglung, with 377 hectares yielding fruit this year. The main orange-producing areas include Baglung Municipality, Kathekhola Rural Municipality, Jaimini, and Galkot Municipality.