November 16, 2018: Delicious and juicy orange of Tripura bagged 1st prize in Delhi Food festival in way back 1980 – but it is unfortunate that no initiative was taken to market the oranges in markets outside the State, the present Government has decided to encourage orange cultivation and create markets for produced oranges. Chief Minister Biplab Deb said this while inaugurating 6th Statewide Orange Fest held at Killa today. He also emphasized on mixed cultivation to optimize income and creating markets both outside the State as well as in International markets.
“Orange production stood at 600-650MT during 2016-17. In the next year, target has been set almost to double – to 1200MT. Government will provide financial assistance of Rs 15000 per hectare”, Deb said.
The 6th Orange Fest is satisfactory and orange growers are getting good response from buyers. Around 362 families in seven ADC areas under Killa RD are cultivating orange. In Killa, 480 hectare land is under orange cultivation. Orange cultivated in Killa area has already captured markets in Gomati and South districts.
Putting blame on previous Left Front Government, he said Tripura would have achieved satisfactory growth if Left Front Government would pay necessary attention to encourage orange cultivation in State. Previous did nothing to create market in other parts of the country – however, new Government – like Pineapple, has focused on orange cultivation, Deb commented.
“It is important to focus on mixed cultivation and grow orange, jackfruit, cashew, betel nut and rubber in mixed cultivation method. This year, queen variety pineapple found international market and it is now time for creating market for orange in next year”, he said.
He referred to Prime Minister’s vision to double earnings of farmer within 2022 and said, State Government is also working in this direction. State Government is stressing on proper and speedy implementation of Central projects aimed at doubling farmers’ earning.
Outlining plans and prospect relating to orange cultivation, Biplab Deb said, survey will be conducted to identify suitable places for orange cultivation in the State. Also, possibility of setting up industries based on orange cultivation will be explored.
