Adam Singh Giri, a Soreng-based grower in Darjeeling, voiced concerns at the local market, highlighting the lack of government support. With no assistance, they are left to tend to their orange trees alone, supported only by a handful of farmers’ club members. The absence of organic fertilizers has rendered farmers helpless. Urgent government intervention is sought to address this issue, as the future of the fruit crop appears bleak otherwise.
The revered Darjeeling orange, once a symbol of prosperity, now grapples with a stark crisis. Traders entrenched in Siliguri, the epicenter of this fruit’s commerce, confront substantial losses owing to a sharp decline in production.
The exquisite gem of North Bengal, renowned for its enchanting flavor and scent, is facing a dire battle for survival. Production has plummeted to a mere 20%, casting uncertainty over the fate of this iconic fruit.
In the annual orange trading season from November to January, North Bengal traditionally saw a lucrative turnover in the crores of rupees. The bustling Regulated market in Siliguri, nestled in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, historically attracted traders nationwide eager to procure as much of the seasonal fruit as possible.
However, recent years have witnessed a notable shift. The once-abundant production of oranges in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong has experienced a decline.
Traders in Siliguri report a significant drop in orange production, estimated at around 20 percent.
Due to a lack of maintenance and insufficient government support, the orange production levels have plummeted, according to Adam Singh Giri, a farmer from Soreng, Darjeeling. Giri mentioned the absence of government assistance, forcing farmers to take on the burden of maintaining orange trees themselves or through limited cooperation in farmers’ clubs. However, the shortage of organic fertilizers has left farmers feeling powerless. Urging government intervention, Giri warned of the imminent disappearance of fruits if action isn’t taken.
Reflecting on the situation, Binod Rastogi, an orange trader in Siliguri’s regulated market, highlighted a stark decline in the orange market. He noted that the usual substantial harvest from November to January has dwindled to a mere 20% sourced from the hills. Rastogi attributed this decline to global warming and inadequate care for the trees, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues.
Binod Rastogi highlighted the adverse impact of Kinu variety oranges from Nagpur on the market, stressing their dominance over Darjeeling oranges due to their competitive pricing. Urging government intervention, Rastogi emphasized the need to address this crisis promptly.
In a similar vein, Ranjit Kumar Prasad, another market trader, underscored the global prominence of Darjeeling oranges. He pointed out that despite their worldwide acclaim, trade with Bangladesh has dwindled over the past few years due to steep export taxes. Prasad also noted that the presence of various orange varieties poses a threat to Darjeeling oranges, urging immediate government attention to this issue.
(Input by ANI)
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