A REPORT ON

POTENTIALITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF CITRUS IN

RAMECHHAP AND SINDHULI DISTRICTS OF NEPAL

Ghimire, N.P. (Team Leader)

Adhikari, H.; Jaishi, M.; Acharaya, B.B.; and Adhikari K.P.

December 2006

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ACKNOWLEDGENENT

Several persons helped us to complete this study. Of course, they deserve credit, while we are

solely responsible for loopholes and lacunae. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to

all the respondent farmers who shared their indigenous knowledge, actively participated in the

discussion, and generously provided the information.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to MEDEP for availing opportunities of this

study. Mr. Megh Raj Acharya, Chhatra Bir Shreshtha, Moti Bahadur Giri, Yubak Raj Ghimire,

and all support staffs of MEDEP Ramechhap and Sindhuli are gratefully acknowledged.

Sincere appreciation and gratitude are extended to Mr. Jahan Bahadur Karki, JT of ASC

Ramechhap. We have received support from Mr. Sanjay Sharma for assisting computer works

and would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to him.

Last but not least, we feel indebted to DADO support staffs of Ramechhap and Sindhuli,

members of Junar Bikash Shangh of both of the districts for their help as a surveyor and

enumerator during the study.

Study team

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Table of contents

Particulars Page

Acknowledgement i

Table of contents iii

List of table iv

List of abbreviation and conversation of Nepalese word v

Executive summary vi

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Rationale of study 3

1.3 Objective of study 4

1.4 Limitation of study 4

2 Methodology of study 5

2.1 Selection of study site 5

2.2 Sample size and sampling procedure 5

2.3 Study design and structure 7

2.4 Data collection techniques 8

2.5 Data analysis 9

2.6 Conceptual frame work of study 10

3 Result and discussion

3.1 Socioeconomic characteristics of population 11

3.2 General orchard husbandry system 20

3.3 Production status 27

3.4 Post harvest, marketing and processing of citrus 34

3.5 Problems, constraints and recommendations 46

4 Appendices

4.1 Questionnaire 54

4.2 Checklist for Focus Group Discussion 59

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List of tables

S. N. Particulars Page1.1 Statistics of citrus area, production and yield of Nepal 32.1 Strata population and size of sample from Ramechhap district 62.2 Strata, population and size of sample from Sindhuli district 62.3 Study synopses for study of potentialities of citrus 72.4 Checklist for focal group discussion held in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 93.1.1 Age of respondents in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 113.1.2 Average family size and available labor in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 113.1.3 Major occupation of household head in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 123.1.4 Factors of motivation for citrus cultivation in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 133.1.5 Objectives of citrus cultivation in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 133.1.6 Gender perspective of citrus cultivation and control on household income 143.1.7 Food balance sheet of Ramechhap and Sindhuli district 143.1.8 Labor management for farm operation in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district 153.1.9 Major land and soil types, cropping pattern found in study district 163.1.10 Major fruit species found in Ramechhap district 183.1.11 Major fruit species found in Ramechhap district 193.2.1 Sapling types used by farmers in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district 203.2.2 Adoption of layout technique by farmers in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district 213.2.3 Adoption of pit digging practice in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district 213.2.4 Adoption level of disease, pest management in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 223.2.5 Adoption of training, pruning techniques in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district 233.2.6 Adoption of fertilizer management practices in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 233.2.7 Adoption of mulching practices in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 253.2.8 Adoption of irrigation practices in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 263.3.1 Area and number of citrus trees planted in Ramechhap district. 263.3. 2 Area and number of citrus trees planted in Sindhuli district. 273.3.3 Number of bearing and non-bearing citrus trees in Sindhuli district 293.3.4 Number of bearing and non-bearing citrus trees in Ramechhap district 303.3.5 Production of citrus fruits in Sindhuli district 313.3.6 Production of citrus fruits in Ramechhap district 323.3.7 Trend of yield of Junar, Mandarin and Limes in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 333.4.1 Adoption of safe harvesting techniques in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 343.4.2 Time of selling of citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 343.4.3 Adoption of storage technology by farmers in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 353.4.4 Farmers selling price of mandarin and Junar in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 353.4.5 Price formation at different level in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 363.4.6 Utilization of fruit for different purposes in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 373.4.7 Processing status of Juice of Junar in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 373.4.8 Marketing channel observed in citrus fruits in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 403.4.9 Major outlets and collection centers for citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 403.4.10 Use of packaging materials for transportation and storage of citrus 413.4.11 Involvement of agents in citrus marketing in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 423.4.12 Market supply situation of citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts 423.5.1 Problems ranking of citrus grower of Ramechhap district 463.5.2 Problems ranking of citrus grower of Sindhuli district 463.5.3 Gap identified and recommendations for citrus production 483.5.4 Gaps identified and recommendations for marketing of citrus 51

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List of abbreviations and conversion of Nepalese word

Words Meaning% Percent< Less than> Greater thanAEC Agriculture Enterprise Centre AGDP Agriculture Gross Domestic ProductAPP Agriculture Perspective Plan APPSP Agriculture Perspective Plan Support ProgramAPSD Agri -Business Promotion and Statistical DivisionASC Agriculture Service CentreBancharo Axe, a tool of cutting branches of tree Bari Cultivated up-land without irrigation facility commonly used for

cultivation other than rice CBS Central Bureau of statistics Chimtailo soil Clay soilDADO District Agriculture Development OfficeDFID Department for International DevelopmentDHQ District head quarterDhungen soil Stony soilFGD Focus Group DiscussionFNCCI Federation of Nepal Chambers of Commerce and IndustryGagryan A type of soil with small stone mixed with soil and sand GDP Gross Domestic ProductGEED Gender Equity and Environment DivisionGeruwa soil A type of soil with yellow and gray colorhac Hectare (10000 square meter or 20 Ropani or 30 Kattha)Hansiya A tool of Nepalese identity used for cutting purposes of grasses and

shrubsHaat Periodical market place HH HouseholdHVC High Value CropsJADP Janakpur Anchal Agriculture Development ProjectKalo soil Black soilKhairo soil Brown soilKhet Cultivated land with irrigation facility commonly used for rice

cultivationKhukuri A tool of Nepalese identity used for cutting purposesMEDEP Micro Enterprise Development ProgramMIS Marketing Information Systemmsl. Meter above sea levelMt. Metric tonNCDP National Citrus Development ProgramOVOP One village one productPhusro soil Fade soilSPSS Statistical Package for Social ScienceUNDP United Nations Development ProgramVDC Village Development CommitteeWDR Western Development Region

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Ghimire, N.P.; Adhikari, H; jaishi, M.; B.B. Acharya; and Adhikari K.P.

A household survey was conducted in 17 and 13 VDCs of Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts

respectively from 18 August to 15 December 2006, with the objective of analyzing potentialities

and opportunities of citrus with regard to micro enterprise development. The study was

synopsized into 85 variables covering five specific objectives related to study. Information

collected on socioeconomic characteristics of citrus growers, farmers' perception of fruit crop

management, production status, marketing as well as processing system prevalent in Junar

orchards and understanding of the problem and constraints through questionnaire survey. Six

Focus group discussion meeting and two observation trips also made on orchards at different

locations of both of districts to verify the information collected through questionnaire.

Bari land was the most predominant land type having 2-5 times higher than khet land. This

indicates that there is ample opportunities for extension of citrus farming in both of districts The

average family size was 6-7 with few cases of out-migration. However, economically active

population of household was level just one-third to average family size. The land typed, and

farming systems of the areas studied are very much similar to other parts of mid hills, including

the bench terraces both in Bari and khet lands. Rice, maize and millet supplemented with grain

legumes, milk and milk products and seasonal vegetables were the common diets of the visited

area. Labor supply was generally scarce, due to increasing cropping intensity and fruit

plantations. Junar growers in the Ramechhap district were not self sufficient in food production,

which was probably due to the fact that bari land is converted into citrus orchards and farm

resources such as labor are mobilized to citrus orchards that resulted into low productivity

because of low parcel of land .

Agriculture technicians being major source of motivation for citrus farming however leader

farmers and self motivation also ranked substantial effects on its dissemination. Trade and home

consumption was major objectives of citrus farming but it doesn't mean citrus growers were not

aware of citrus farming as a business. Gender perspectives on citrus cultivation shows almost all

activities of cultivation are gender neutral. The reason behind may be citrus farming being a

labor intensive enterprise and due to its perennial nature non of the activities can be demarketed

as gender sensitive.

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Farm Yard Manure (FYM) is the major source of plant nutrients in the areas studied as reported

from other parts of the country. Like in other parts of the hills, majority of FYM is applied to

Bari land, preferably on maize, millet, potato vegetables and oil seed to ensure food supply in

subsistence farming. Orchard soil fertility is the key issue of Junar production. Organic form of

soil fertility management practices were found to be most common, by far the application of

FYM was wide spread practice for manuring the trees. In spite of substantial income from Junar,

use of chemical fertilizers in the orchard was negligible.

Though a wide range of fruit crops were found in the areas studied, however, the Junar and

mandarin is ranked first in both of district and found economically very important fruit. It is

grown under rain-fed condition on the Bari land mostly by mobilizing the local resource and

using indigenous skill and knowledge. Area and production of Junar is increasing tremendously

as a result there is an increasing trend of converting agricultural land under citrus/Junar orchard

due to high market demand. Most of the citrus crops are well adapted to the mid hill region,

which are relatively more accessible compared to that of temperate fruit production zone.

Socioeconomic aspects of citrus grower, agriculture like cereal farming, livestock, forest,

marketing system as well as purchasing capacity were found interacting with Junar production in

the region as Junar has to compete with field crops for manure and other sources of plant

nutrients, labor and irrigation water. Therefore, issues such as sustainability, risk-bearing

capacity of the farmers, which place higher priority on cereals production for food security, play

major role in the orchard performance.

Majority of farmers used grafted saplings in plantation in both of district from private nursery as

a major source of supply. This revealed that both of study district were of sufficient in internal

supply of saplings. But it does not mean that private nursery men were of well acquainted and no

external support is required in regard to production of healthy, proper size, aged and true to type

saplings. None of the agriculture technologies were found adopting completely by the citrus

growers. This information support for the cause of declining of citrus in the study area and it

alarms for coming years that may cause adverse effect on productivity and declining of citrus.

Agriculture being major occupation in both of districts Junar is the major source of income and

temporary employment and income generating opportunities among the farmers adopting it.

Labor shortage is common for citrus farming with varied wage rates for male and female,

although some of the operations done by male and female farmers are almost same. Thus, Junar

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orchards have a number of good points, as they have created temporary employment, are gender

neutral, low input intensive and even grown in a small scale providing income-generating

opportunity to small farmers. Environmentally, it has increased green and helps in soil

conservation.

Junar was the most important fruit species with significant economic value. No consistent

manuring practice on Junar orchards was reported. In general, bearing trees are better cared than

younger seedlings. Use of chemical fertilizers and green manuring exclusively on Junar was less

common, Junar orchards are intercropped with field crops during early stage of orchard

establishment and with ginger and turmeric after the fruit trees attain full canopy. Junar was

grown as a rain fed crop due to lack of irrigation, though farmers are aware that flowering and

fruit setting are most critical stages for moisture stress. Junar yield was increasing and was

expected to increase further in the future as over 45-59 % of plantations of Junar were reported

to be in non-bearing stage. Increasing trend of production seems due to newly planted orchard

coming into bearing but productivity of orchard decreasing in both of district.

Non-adoption of technologies and decreasing productivity when relate the facts will be very

serious issue and campaign based awareness is seems to very very urgent. Farmers getting up to

Rs one lack per year from citrus orchard however, average household income seems to around

ten thousands per year. This amount of income seems to very low from commercial perspectives

however this amount of income can be increased up to three folds if marketing and storage

facilities could be strengthened. The storage facilities in both of the district seems to very

negligible (0 .01 %) as compared to total production of citrus. However, 2-3 % farmers adopting

the complete storage techniques as per their storage facilities. Harvesting and storage of Junar

predominated by traditional methods by sacking of branches and trees and heaping on the room

that eventually affect keeping quality and post harvest life of fruits. Variation of average farm

gate price of citrus to consumer price is very high up to Rs three for one piece of citrus fruit and

these happening because of speculation marketing system predominated by seasonal fluctuation

and no formal guidelines and regulation controlling all sorts of these system. Early harvesting of

fruits before ripening also observed in both of the study district. Because of high demand of

fruits farmers getting high price during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath Parba. Unlike in temperate

fruits such as apple, Junar does not seem to have market problem as it stands bow, as

intermediaries from different towns are involved in the business. Marketing was not perceived as

a constraint but authorized and regularization marketing norms to be established, otherwise it

might get complex as the production of Junar increases.

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Very small proportions of citrus fruits are used for processing purposes. At present only

10000-12000 lit of juice pulp were processed. This amount is very very lower as compared to

production of Junar. Most of the junar are sold on contractual system by counting of trees or

fruits. Milti Khola and DHQ for Ramechhap and Kamalamai and DHQ for Sindhuli district are

two major outlets for Junar. No collection centre and organized marketing system prevailed in

the district. Farmers, intermediaries and retailers are source of marketing information and no

formal and authorized MIS prevailed in the district. Cartoon package system found very

negligible in Sindhuli district only but without any specified brand name. Specified packaging

materials with brand name will ease and promote the product in other parts of Nepal.

The farmers in the study area reported various constraints to the production of Junar. Prominent

among them were, lack of technical know-how, severity of insect/pest and diseases, lack of

transport facility and lack of marketing facility and network. Lack of irrigation facility did not

receive the first rank among different constraints. This was because of Junar as a perennial crop

most of its production period falls under rainy or just after rainy season.

Mass awareness to create motivation to commercial scale of production, campaign based

technological dissemination, networking with research, promotion of expertise on citriculture

promotion and regularization of financial and input supply situation are major area of suggestion

to overcome the bottlenecks of citrus farming. Further more dissemination of market

information, expansion of storage facilities, promotion of packaging materials, upgrading the

transportation facilities, minimization of exploitation of intermediaries are some of the areas that

should not be isolated from the production.

The new citrus area being developed in the districts have clearly shows that there is an

opportunity to differentiate product in the market place by branding the product and developing

and delivering a perceived superior product to the consumer and not be in a traditional way.

Overall the citrus development strategy should take a holistic view of citrus industry and

believes that there is an excellent market potential for fresh fruit and processed product market

within the country.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Citrus is one of the world's leading fruit crops adaptable to varied range of location and cultural

management. The diverse agro ecological variations determined by varied topography in mid hill

region of Nepal right from Mechi to Mahakali ranging from 600 to 1400 msl favorable for

cultivation. Citrus, a major fruit crop of Nepal recognized as high value crops (HVC) under

Agriculture Perspective Plan (APP). There are altogether 15 species of citrus reported in 58

district of Nepal. Although citrus is major cash generating fruit enterprise in the mid hills of

Nepal (Joshi et al; 1995), production scale is still subsistence in nature (Subedi et al; 2000). It is

known fact that most of the citrus orchard in the country are of seedling origin and susceptible to

the disease mainly that of root rot (Ranjeet and G.C.1997).

Rajput and Haribabu (1985) reported that establishing origin of citrus fruit has been a matter of

controversy. However, most of the taxonomists have a general agreement that Himalay region

and south China are the places of origin for most of the citrus fruits. Therefore, the suggested

origin of citrus is South East Asia including South China Northeastern India and Burma. The

precise centre of the origin has been considered the mountainous parts of Southern China and

Northeastern India including Southern Nepal where sheltered valleys and southern slopes are

protected from cold and dry wind and are exposed to summer monsoon. Many citrus species

have their origin in India. It has been considered` that not less than 78 species of family Rutaceae

as native of India. In India citron found under wild, condition particularly in Nilgiri, Assam and

lower Himalayas.

Agricultural sector has been considered the most important sector in Nepalese economy. It

contributes about 38 present of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs about 65.6

present of the economically active population (CBS, 2002). Moreover, crops account for about

60 percent, livestock 30 percent, and forestry 10 percent of the total agricultural gross domestic

product (AGDP). Horticulture contributes 14 percent to the total agricultural GDP

(APSD/GEED, 2005). The share of horticulture to the AGDP is increasing in the recent years.

Agricultural diversification and commercialization have drawn attention of the planners and

policy makers in terms of generating more income, employment opportunities and biodiversity

conservation. The cultivation of high value low volume fruits and vegetables and optimum

utilization of the available resources for production, processing, and marketing operations has

been conceived for the sustainable development of nation.

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Government of Nepal (GoN) has implemented a 20- years Agriculture Perspective Plan (APP)

since 1995 with a view to develop overall economy and alleviate poverty. This plan has

identified priority inputs and outputs for investment in order to commercialize agricultural

sector. Among other, high value horticultural commodities and agriculture business are priority

outputs in APP. Agricultural marketing has been considered as an integral component. It is also

proposed to establish strong forward and backward linkages. Under the APP the High value

Crops (HVC) is emphasized as Citrus throughput the mid hills of Nepal. Similarly as focused by

the APP, commercialization of agriculture and thereby increasing production and income of

farmers is the main strategy of GoN in the 10th plan. For this strategy, to function a number of

policies have been initiated and it is believed that once policies become consistent, facilitative

and coherent to the beads of farmers businessmen, processors, exporters and other stakeholder,

the production and income levels will rise .

Given the diversity of climatic conditions, Nepal has a wider scope for the production of various

types of vegetables and fruits. Horticultural crops have played important role in Nepalese

agriculture. Horticultural crops contribute to augmenting food. Improving in nutrition,

employment and help in income generation and maintain improved environment. HVCs help to

generate alternative employment opportunities in the farm and non-farm sector, as it is more

labor intensive and demands different activities to make horticultural crops ready for marketing.

The mid-hill region (1000 meter to 1500-meter altitude) has a comparative advantage in the

cultivation of citrus fruits especially mandarin and sweet orange (Subedi et al, 2002). Compared

to the traditional food grain crops as maize, wheat and millet cultivation of these fruits has been

found more profitable. Not withstanding the vast potentials for the production of mandarin and

sweet orange domestically, these fruits and fruit products are imported in a large quantity to meet

the growing demand in the country. The area under citrus fruits constituted about 29.4 percent of

the total area covered (2002/03) by all types of fruits in Nepal. Citrus alone contributes about

26.81 percent of its fruits consumption. However, during harvesting season citrus production is

more than fresh demand. The fruit cultivation in homestead area, in Nepalese agriculture, is a

traditional practice. It is grown in almost all mid-hill areas (900-1400 msl) of the country

between 26°45' and 29°40' latitude and 80°15' and 88°12' longitude. The mid-hill region of

Nepal, which accounts about 1.5 million hac is quite for citrus cultivation. The APP targets to

increase the area of citrus production by 130 percent by 2015. The national productivity of

existing orchard is very low (11.18t/ha) as compared to 43t/ha of other citrus growing countries.

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The statistics of total area under citrus in Nepal was 20672 ha in 2001 and 25909 ha in 2005

indicates that the area of citrus is increasing.

Table 1.1: Statistics of citrus area, production and productivity of Nepal

Year Total area (Ha) Production (Mt) Yield (Mt/hac)2001 20,672 1,21,665 10.232002 22,423 1,30,928 10.382003 23,662 1,39,109 10.452004 24,799 1,48,010 10.622005 25,909 1,56,956 10.75

Source: NCDP, 2006

Junar (Sweet orange) is a very popular sub-tropical fruit cultivated in subsistence and

commercial scale of production, and is grown between 650 to 1400 msl. Junar is successfully

grown in 47 out of 75 districts of Nepal, and the cultivated area and the fruit production of this

crop continues to increase every year in the western Development Region (NCDP, 1989). Junar

is major cash generating fruit enterprise in the Ramechhap and Sindhuli district of Nepal where

staple crops such as maize, millet and wheat are grown mainly for hone consumption and offer

very limited scope for generating cash. Therefore, Junar farming provides good source of cash

income to small and low income farmers. Other advantages are that they are not only refreshing

and delicious to eat but also provide minerals and vitamins. The fruits are rich sources of vitamin

"C". Junar can be used to make delicious and refreshing cold drinks, squashes, jam, jelly and

marmalade.

1.2 Rationale of the Study

Although the importance of Junar in hill farming is great, there is a lack of understanding of

different constraints related to Junar production in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district. Budhathoki

et al. (1989) studied the production constraints and production systems of citrus in the WDR,

Dhading and Sindhuli districts. These studies were mainly concentrated on plant protection

aspects. Therefore, this study was undertaken to understand the potentialities and opportunities

of citrus, farming systems, socioeconomic characteristics of citrus grower, status of production

and productivity, marketing structures, problems and constraints related to citrus. Public Private

Partnership Program implementing jointly by Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and

Agro Enterprise Centre (AEC) has been launching One Village One Product (OVOP) program

right from the current FY 2006/2007. Ramechhap and Sindhuli district have been selected as

Junar production area, for the program in first phase that has to be promoted.

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Due to growing demand for juice, jam and jelly because of urbanization and tourism enterprise

in the country, such products are being imported in larger quantity. At the same time, citrus fruits

like mandarin and sweet orange being perishable in its nature, they cannot be kept for longer

time without proper storage facility maintaining their freshness and quality. So, from the

viewpoint of import substitution and post harvest loss establishment of mandarin and sweet

orange processing enterprise is a need in the present context and for this concerned; the MEDEP

has taken a modest attempt to visualize the situation.

There are many citrus growers in the area who have not successfully managed the transition to

the prevailing market situation and have been working but not able to adapt better technology

and orchard management so as to maintain a viable citrus farming. Most of the citrus growers

have not been able to diversify into other crops to spread their agricultural risk (Aurora, 2002).

The study will help to design orchard revitalization strategy to assist those farmers who have not

been able to significantly change heir citrus enterprise so as to maintain profitability for short,

medium and longer term.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The objectives of the study were to explore the potentialities of mandarin and sweet orange

processing enterprise in Ramechhap and Sindhuli. The specific objectives of the study were:

1. To study the socioeconomic characteristics of citrus growers in the study area

2. To determine status of citrus cultivation and existing farming practices adopted

3. To examine existing marketing structure for citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts

4. Study the status of processing of mandarin and sweet orange.

5. To identify the problems and constraints encountered by the citrus grower.

1.4 Limitation of study

The findings of the study are solely based on the perception of the citrus grower. The study

limits for the citrus grower having less than five plants. Reluctancy of citrus grower to provide

information that limits the generalization of the findings.

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2 METHODOLOGY OF STUDY

This chapter deals with the various process and techniques adopted throughout the study. It

summarizes the procedure used in selection of study site, identifying the study population,

determining of sample size and collection of information, study design, structure and analysis

with relation to objectives of the study.

2.1 Selection of the study site

To study the scope and potentiality of citrus fruits for micro-enterprise development in

Ramechhap and Sindhuli district major production VDCs were chosen based on potentiality of

citrus production. All together 17 VDCs of Ramechhap district and 13 VDCs from Sindhuli

district were taken into consideration for the study. These VDCs are recognized as potential for

citrus production and majority of farmers are involved in citrus production either commercially

motivated or traditionally for home consumption only. These VDCs are purposively selected

because the status, potentiality, and opportunity of citrus in the district can be assessed only

based on that information where citrus cultivation existed.

2.2 Sample size and sampling procedure

Without a sound sampling plan, and a suitable sample size, neither the data can be collected from

proper respondents nor in the appropriate number of them. In stratified sampling techniques, the

population is divided into a number of non-overlapping sub population based on certain criteria.

Each sub population is known as stratum. From each of these strata, sub samples are chosen by

simple random sampling techniques. The master sample size is the sums of all sub samples

drown from all strata. Stratified sampling technique was adopted for this study because stratified

sampling is a method for obtaining a greater degree of representatives and thus decreasing the

probable sampling error.

Four different strata from Ramechhap and three from Sindhuli district have been identified as an

Agriculture Service Centre (ASC). Among number of VDCs in the strata only those VDCs have

been selected for the study where more than 10 HH have been engaged in citrus production.

Households have been engaged in citrus cultivation either commercially or traditionally for

home consumption either supported by DADO or not considered for sampling unit. The

sampling frame comprised of the household that have orchard of at least 1/3 Ropani of land or 5

citrus fruit trees.

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Table 2.1: Strata, population and size of sample drawn for the study from Ramechhap district

Strata Name of ASC Name of VDC HH number Sample numberS1-1 ASC Ramechhap Ramechhap 964 219S1-2 ASC Ramechhap Sukajor 727 314S1-3 ASC Ramechhap Okhreni 668 358S1-4 ASC Ramechhap Bhaluwajor 613 120S1-5 ASC Ramechhap Rampur 806 65S1-6 ASC Ramechhap Salu 766 193S1-7 ASC Ramechhap Sunarpani 471 40S1- 8 ASC Ramechhap Himganga 749 77S2- 1 ASC Nagdaha Gothgaun 529 57S2 -2 ASC Nagdaha Deurali 670 43S3- 3 ASC Doramba Phulasi 1149 260S3-4 ASC Doramba Daduwa 942 53S3-5 ASC Doramba Lakhanpur 1261 80S4 -1 ASC Khaniyapani Makadum 389 40S4 -2 ASC Khaniyapani Dimipokhari 729 104S4 -3 ASC Khaniyapani Bethan 1165 90S3 -4 ASC Khaniyapani Hiledevi 669 122

Grand total 13267 2235

Table 2.2: Strata, population and size of sample drawn for the study from Sindhuli district

Strata Name of ASC Name of VDC HH number Sample numberS1-1 ASC Baseshor Jalkannya 451 361S1-2 ASC Baseshor Tinkannya 767 563S1-3 ASC Baseshor Ratanchura 588 501S1-4 ASC Baseshor Baseshor 590 140S1-5 ASC Baseshor Dhundbhanjyang 528 40S1-6 ASC Baseshor Bhuwaneshori 319 99S1-7 ASC Baseshor Bitijor 325 162S2-1 ASC Bhimsensthan Bhadrakali 744 131S2-2 ASC Bhimsensthan Kamalamai NP 6447 145S2-3 ASC Bhimsensthan Ranichuri 1477 170S3-1 ASC Jhangajholi Purano Jhangajholi 874 381S3-2 ASC Jhangajholi Majuwa 498 74S3-3 ASC Jhangajholi Sitalpati 711 90

Grand total 14319 2857

2.3 Study design and structure

2.3.1 Synopsis of study

Structured questionnaire with five sections were used for information collection. The

questionnaires were designed incorporating 85 variables identified for the study. The

questionnaires were divided into major five parts to fulfill the major five objectives of study.

6

First, relevant questions were designed as structured interview schedule. After refining the

questionnaire, data were collected from the randomly selected respondents by visiting every

household.

Table: 2.3 Study synopses for study of potentialities of citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

Objectives of study Variables under studyTo study the socioeconomic characteristics of citrus grower

Family sizeAge of respondentEconomically active populationMajor occupationLand characteristicsGender involvement in citrus enterpriseObjective of citrus cultivationCropping systemFood security statusMotivation towards citrus cultivationMajor fruit species

To determine the status of citrus cultivation in the district

Source and type of saplingNumber of bearing and non bearing treesAge and area of treesAdoption of technologiesIntercropping practicesMethods of storageMethods of gradingEstimation of post harvest losses Income from citrus

To assess the potentialities of citrus with reference to micro enterprise development

Extendable area of citrusCauses of non expansion of citrus cultivation areaPercentage of sale to total productionProcessing statusInterest on processing of citrus productUses of citrusFeasibility of processing

To examine the different marketing aspects of citrus fruit

Location of marketMeans of transportationSale before/after ripening Type of agent/middle man involved in marketingMarket outletsTransportation facilitiesMethods of packaging

To identify the problems and constraints of citrus production and to make recommendation

Prioritization of problems of citrus productionProblems and constraint of citrus productionProblems/constraints of marketing and processing

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2.3.2 Sources of data

2.3.2.1 Primary source of data

An interview is a purposeful discussion between two or more people. The use of interview can

help to gather valid and reliable data that are relevant to research questions or objectives. An

interview gives the opportunity to talk freely about events behavior and believes in relation to the

topic area so that this type of interaction is sometime called nondirective. It has been labeled as

an informant interview, since it is the interviewee’s perception that guides the conduct of an

interview. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire by face-to-face

interview of the respondents

2.3.2.2 Secondary source of data

Broadly speaking, when secondary data are used, as a means of acquiring evidences, to test the

hypothesis, the investigation should proceed with critical examination of secondary source of

data. Data from both primary and secondary sources posses a great significance in the field of

social science study. Therefore, this study used both secondary and primary data. Many

publications from various institutions, agencies, DDC profile were scrutinized to gain a deeper

understanding pertaining to the issue.

2.4 Data collection techniques

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied to collect data and information.

Fieldwork for the data collection purpose was performed in Bhadra -Asoj 2063. The level of data

collection was divided into three level; household survey, key informant survey and direct

observation.

2.4.1 Household survey

Face to face, interview technique was used to collect quantitative information from the

respondents. The selection of respondents was based on having more than 1/3 Ropani of citrus

orchard .or having at least 5 citrus trees

2.4.2 Focal group discussion

Focal group discussion has the advantage of putting researchers into first-hand contact with

“reality”. Three focal group discussions in each of study district with citrus trader, grower and

entrepreneurs were done to check the reliability and validity of the collected information in the

study.

8

Table 2.4: Lists for focal group discussions held in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts

District Location of FGD Participants Date of activityRamechhap Ramechhap Citrus grower, traders 2063-08-07

Sukajor Citrus grower, Traders 2063-08-08Okhreni Member of Junar Bikash Shangh 2063-08-09

Sindhuli Bijaychhap Citrus grower 2063-08-15DADO, Sindhuli DADO officials 2063-08-16Hatbazar, Sindhuli Whole seller, traders, retail fruit shop 2063-08-17

2.4.3. Pre-test

In order to ascertain communicability and appropriateness of the questionnaires to be described

later, it was administered individually on 10 respondents who were selected from Ramechhap

VDC. In addition, the verbal comment and feed back of each respondent were noted down.

Based on the comments of the respondent some necessary changes were made in items of the

questionnaires.

2.4.4 Data collection procedure

The respondents were approached individually either in the place of enterprise or in their homes.

The investigator explained the purpose of the study. After establishing initial rapport, the

respondents were requested to volunteer for the study. The respondents were assured that the

information would be kept confidential and would be used for research purpose. They were

encouraged to respond to each item honestly and frankly.

2.5 Data analysis

Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The analysis of data was

done with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

2.6 Conceptual framework of the study

Among the different factors, marketing and processing of citrus fruits are major determinants

that affect its scope and limitation of citrus production. These major determinants promote

motivation and thus create opportunities.

The citrus industry should look from a marketing perspective as opposed to purely production

perspectives and it should able to determine that citrus grower has a good opportunity to further

expand its production and its return to growers. It is known that the citrus industry is not unlike

all other agriculture pursuit and will have its cyclic production. What is still required is

significant structural change within the industry.

9

Fig 2.1: An overview of conceptual framework of citrus industry

10

SOCIO ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CITRUSGROWER /ENTREPRENEURS

Objective of citrus farming Gender involvement on citrus enterprise Major occupation Motivation agents Economically active population

OPPORTUNITYOF

PROCESSING

OPPORTUNITYFOR

MARKETING OF

FRESH FRUITS

OPPORTUNITY OF DEVELOPMENT FORGRADING, PACKAGING ENTERPRISE

CI TRUS

PROD UCTION

TECHNOLOGYADOPTION

CHALLENGE FORVIABLE CITRUS

FARMING

JUICE

SQUASH

JAM, JELLY & MARMALADE

WINE

BEFORERIPENING

AFTERRIPENING

PACKAGING,GRADING & BRANDING

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter explains the major variables identified in synopses of study based on the objectives

of study. Socioeconomic characteristics of citrus grower, general orchard husbandry, production

status, harvesting, marketing processing status of citrus, problems and constraint related to citrus

production, identification of gaps and recommendation for further improvement are major area

of discussions.

3.1 Socioeconomic characteristics of citrus grower

3.1.1 Age of respondents of citrus grower

The age of respondent farmers was classified into two categories. The age 15-59 is considered as

economically active age or adult and >59 years is considered as old. Table 3.1.1 indicates that

the ages of respondents in both districts are more or less same.

Table 3.1.1 Age of respondents in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts

S.N. Age of respondentsDistricts

Ramechhap (%) Sindhuli (%)1 15-59 years 74.9 74.52 > 59 years 25.1 25.53 Mean ages (years) 46.4 47.14 Standard deviation (±years) 20.57 15.3

Source: Field survey, 2006

3.1.2 Family size and available labor

The average family size of Sindhuli district found higher than Ramechhap but contrasting to the

fact the average economically active work force of Ramechhap district found higher than

Sindhuli and it represents the available labor per household in the study districts presents in table

3.1.2. From the data it can be inferenced that available workforce in study district seemed to

lower to adopt better technology and to maintain viable citrus farming.

Table 3.1.2: Average family size and available labor in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts

Characteristics Ramechhap Sindhuli1 Average family size 6.9 7.12 Average working family size 2.3 2.0

Source: Field survey, 2006

3.1.3 Occupation of the respondents

Most of the respondents rely on agriculture to sustain their livelihood. Table 3.1.3 shows that

96.2% of the respondents are engaged in agriculture which is followed by business (2.5%) and

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service (1.3%) in Ramechhap district. Similarly, 95.2%, 1.3% and 3.5% of respondents involved

in agriculture, business and service respectively in Sindhuli district. Agriculture being a major

source of income in both of districts have to make successful to diversify the citrus farming so as

to spread agricultural risk

Table 3.1.3 Major occupation of household heads in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district s

S.N. OccupationDistricts

Ramechhap (%) Sindhuli (%)1 Agriculture 96.2 95.22 Business 2.5 1.33 Service 1.3 3.5

Total 100 100

3.1.4 Factors of motivation for citrus farming

Motivation plays the key role of adopting certain technology by the farmers in their farm.

Agriculture technicians under JADP during the FY 2032/33 were major sources of motivation

for initiation of Junar farming in both of districts. JADP had intensified technologies as well as

input delivery as their major activities of the projects acts as a catalyst to motivate farmers of that

location for expansion and initiation of citrus farming. Most of the farmers motivated through

agriculture technician for planting of citrus fruits in their land. Study showed that 73.1%, 22.7%,

2.4% and 1.8% of farmers motivated by agricultural technician, leader farmers (neighbors),

communication mass media and themselves respectively in Ramechhap district. Similarly, in

Sindhuli 42.4%, 29.8%, 2.3% and 25.8% farmers motivated through agri-technician, leader

farmers, mass-medias and themselves respectively (Table 3.1.4).

Box1 : Commercial citrus farming date back to third five years planning period

Commercial scale plantation dated back to 2027/28 BS in all mid hill including Ramechhap and

Sindhuli. Informal inspiration by JT working at DADO was common source of encouragement

to the general farmers. This process was further facilitated by technicians of JADP in 2032/33

that had created lots of awareness program was launched with varieties of training,

demonstration to the leader farmers across the country.

12

Table 3.1.4 Factors of motivation for citrus cultivation in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts

S.N. Factors of motivationDistricts

Ramechhap (%) Sindhuli (%)1 Agriculture technician 73.1 42.42 Leader farmers 22.7 29.83 Mass medias 2.4 2.34 Self 1.8 25.5

Total 100 100Source: Field survey, 2006

3.1.5 Objectives of citrus farming

Some farmers establish the citrus orchard for selling purposes, few farmers also plant for their

home consumption and most of the farmer plant for both purposes. Table 3.1.5 indicates that

over 95% of respondents grow citrus fruit for selling as well as home consumption purposes in

both districts. Inference can be drawn from the fact that almost all citrus grower aware of their

objectives, but in reality the objectives of citrus farming have not been translated in their practice

especially in management of citrus orchard.

Table 3.1.5: Objectives of citrus cultivation in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts

S.N. Purpose of growingDistricts

Ramechhap (%) Sindhuli (%)1 Trade 2.5 12 Home consumption 0.8 0.33 Both 96.7 98.7

Total 100 100

3.1.6 Gender perspectives of citrus farming

All the agricultural production activities performed either by male or female or by both. Table

3.1.6 shows the agricultural activities performed by gender. Labor shortage is common for citrus

farming with varied wage rates for male and female, although some of the operations done by

male and female farmers are almost same. Thus, Junar orchards have a number of good points, as

they have created temporary employment, are gender neutral. However, decision-making and

control over income from citrus more inclined to male possession in general.

13

Table 3.1.6: Gender perspective of citrus cultivation and control on households’ income

S.N. Activities of citrus farming Ramechhap (%) Sindhuli (%)1 Nursery management

Women 37.4 1.3Men 1.4 2.5Both 61.2 96.2

2 Orchard managementWomen 1.2 0.8Men 1.1 3.5Both 97.7 95.7

3 Fruit gradingWomen 1.2 -Men 1.6 6.6Both 97.2 93.4

4 MarketingWomen 1.9 0.3Men 1.9 1.6Both 96.2 98.1

5 Control on incomeWomen 4.5 2.9Men 10.5 9.9Both 85.0 88.2

3.1.7 Food Self- Sufficiency

The farming in the mid-hills is relatively intensive and two to three crops per year can be grown.

However, in the area studied, the shortage of manure and fruit crops emerging as a bright

prospect have clearly marginalized food crops resulting in prolonged winner fallowing of Khet

land and reduced crop cover in Bari land respectively. In sum up Ramechhap comes under food

deficit district and Sindhuli comes under food surplus district however in case of citrus grower

23.65 % of total household surveyed are self-sufficient in food for whole year. Similarly, 50.42%

and 25.93% households are self-sufficient for six to nine months, and for less than six months

respectively. Majority of citrus grower having deficit in food security indicates that citrus grower

are suffering from food requirement and workforce are diverted to cereal production other than

HVC. Therefore it is very crucial to convinced the citrus grower to make significant changes in

their orchard management for sustainable and viable production.

Table3.1.7 Food balance sheet of Ramechap and Sindhuli district

SN District Population Production(Mt.) Quantity required (Mt.) Surplus/Deficit(Mt.)1 Ramechhap 2,22,174 44,656.97 42,046.16 – 2,610.82 Sindhuli 3,05,629 61,431.42 70,346.17 + 8,914.74Source: Annual Progress report of DADO Ramechhap and Sindhuli, 2062

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3.1.8 Labour Management

Labour is generally reported to be scarce in a traditional farming systems where farm operations

are Labour intensive. This obviously affects all spheres of farming. Mostly, youth populations

were outside the district and country for earning cash regularly causing labor deficit in their

farms. Generally, labor shortage was found during busiest seasons viz, maize sowing

(Baishakh/Jestha), rice planting (Asar/Shrawan), millet planting (Shrawan ) and millet harvesting

(Kartik/Mangsir), rice harvesting ( Mansir ), pit digging, filling, carrying farm yard manures as

well as manuring in orchards. To cope with labour needs at that time, hired labors are used from

local or neighboring village. Parma, a traditions method of Labour arrangement between farming

households on reciprocal basis, found an effective method of coping with the situation.

Table 3.1.8: Labor management for farm operation in Sindhuli and Ramechhap districts

Location Tenancy System Wage in rupees Sources of

LaborContract SC/TO Female Male

Ramechhap NA 1:1 50-60(+2 Meals) 100-120 (+3 Meals) Village ParmaSindhuli NA 1:1 40-50 (+2 Meals) 80-100 (+2 Meals) Village ParmaSC = Share cropping, TO = Tenant Owner, NA= Information not available

Daily wage rate varies from 40-60 rupees for female and 80-120 rupees for male. Generally,

meals are provided and vary from one to three meals a day. However, skilled lab ours such as

mason and carpenters are paid higher rate of 150-200 rupees a day. No laborers from outside the

VDCs or district were reported.

3.1.9 Division of labor

Men and women do most types of farm operations so long as the job can be done by both the

sexes, such as hoeing, planting, weeding etc, and the wage rate is same. The operations not done

by women are plowing, digging of pits, deep slicing of bunds and terrace risers and, training,

pruning. Farmers of different locations reported that women do not climb and pick fruits

because of difficulty with sari. Children are mostly used in climbing and picking fruits as they

are swift and have less chances of breaking branches.

3.1.10 Cropping Systems

The major land types, soil types and cropping pattern in the area studied are summarized in

Table 3.1.9. The major land types found were Bari land where percentage of Bari land was more

than Khet, Terracing of land either Bari or Khet was common in most of the locations. The

reasons cited for this practice was social pride as big plot of land near the homestead indicated

15

prosperity, it is easy to move bullocks on large patches, as there are no terrace risers and are less

water logging and crops such as maize can be grown easily. However, farmers have realized

lately that there is more loss of top fertile soil and gradually farmers are adopting terracing

systems in their Bari land. The survey found that farmers classifications of soils are primarily

based on soil color. Different soil types differentiated on the basis of soil color are: Rato, Kalo,

Khairo Kailo/phusro, Pahelo and Ponge/Geru. Soils differentiated based on soil texture were

found to be domat, Chiure/chare/kamero, chimtailo and dhungen/ gegaryan. The major soil type

found in the area studied was red soil, followed by black and phusro soils. The other important

soil types reported are : Kalo Gegaryan, domat and Khairo soils respectively.

Maize, millet, rice, Junar, wheat, ginger and vegetables were the important crops of the area.

Maize based cropping pattern was found most common and important cropping of the area.

Maize -followed by millet / black gram/ tori/winter vegetable or wheat was common. In some

areas farmers also leave land fallow after harvesting maize -millet crops. Maize was the most

important crop. Junar occupy important place in the farming systems as a major source of cash

income in most of the areas studied and also influence migration, employment opportunity and

other socioeconomic factors.

Table 3.1.9: Major land and soil types, cropping patterns found in study district

Location Major

land type

Major

soil type

Cropping pattern

Ramechhap Bari

Rato,

Phusro,

Kalo

Maize- Mustard -Fallow, Maize-Rain fed rice -Fallow

Maize-millet-fallow, Maize-horse gram-wheat-fallow

Maize-Legumes-Fallow, Maize-Vegetable-Vegetable

Sindhuli Bari

Rato,

Kalo,

Phusro

Maize-Mustard-fallow, Maize- Mustard-Wheat

Maize-Millet/Buck wheat-Fallow

Maize-Horse gram-wheat-Fallow

Maize-Soya bean-Fallow, Maize-Vegetables-Fallow

Maize-ginger/turmeric-fallow

Rice-based cropping pattern was common in Khet lands. Rice- mustard, rice-fallow,

rice-wheat-follow, rice-vegetable were other cropping patterns noted in the area. Although Junar

is not included under cropping pattern, however intercropping with maize and/ or millet until

Junar come to bearing stage whereas turmeric and ginger are grown under the orchards during

later stages. Inclusion of some grain legume crops as well in the orchards was also reported. The

survey team explored that the area possesses the potential for multiple cropping; however, the

16

cropping intensity was highly dependent on irrigation facility, soil fertility and other

socioeconomic parameters.

3.1.11 Farmyard manure and compost

Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and compost were the major sources of plant nutrients in the whole

of survey areas and, the prevalence and importance of the organic manures in all the areas

studied were the same. The FYM was the most common form of organic manure applied in the

field while use of compost is also reported from a few locations. Indigenous method of compost

preparation and utilization was predominant which was developed over several decades. Some

sort of bedding materials for example leaf litters, crop residues and left over feed and forage are

either spread in the animal shed or get incorporated with animal dung and urine. The manure

thus prepared is heaped near the animal shed and the system of FYM/compost preparation can be

termed as heap method. Heap method of FYM/ compost preparation was most common in all the

locations. Farmers mentioned that periodic turning of compost is not common, although farmers

of Okhreni and Sukajor VDCs of Ramechhap reported that turning of the FYM/compost twice is

also practiced, and to facilitate this, most of the trained farmers dig two pits.

3.1.12 Chemical fertilizers

The second most common source of maintaining soil fertility was chemical fertilizer. Use of

chemical fertilizers as reported by few farmers was driven by a number of issues such as

decreasing soil fertility due to crop intensification, decrease in livestock population and dung

output, labor shortage, distance of Khet land from homesteads, and depletion of forest resources.

A common strategy adopted by most farmers was that chemical fertilizers are mainly applied in

Khet land and vegetables, particularly in commercial vegetable production, such as at Okhreni

and Sukajor. Nevertheless, use of chemical fertilizers (urea) was also reported for crops such as

maize, wheat, millet and mustard. Use of urea as top dressing on vegetables and field crops was

most common; the extensive use of urea may be attributed to relatively cheaper price of urea

owing to the government subsidy and limited choice for other fertilizers. It was the consensus of

the survey team that repeated use of urea without proper soil amendment may be hazardous to

soil health in a longer run.

3.1.13 Use of crop rotation

17

Farmers reported that indigenous crop rotation is adopted in some or the other form, this usually

includes growing different kinds of crops on a parcel in different years. For example at Daduwa

and Fulasi, farmers reported that Teri or potato follows maize in some parcels during one year

while the some parcels are planted with rice bean. The respondent farmers at Sukajor reported

that some species of vegetables are not grown on the same piece of land rather rotated with other

species in succession. Rotation is also followed between vegetables and other field crops in order

to better utilize soil fertility and soil moisture regimes. The survey team found that indigenous

crop rotation systems followed by the farmers may have significant effect on managing soil

fertility and soil moisture.

Table 3.1.10 Major fruit species found in Ramechhap district.

Location Major fruit species

Citrus Banana Pear Peach Guava Pine

apple

Mango Litchi Wild

Bael

Custard

apple

Apricot

Ramechhap 1 7 2 5 4 6 8 9 - - 3Okhreni 1 7 2 5 3 6 - - - - 4Sukajor 1 8 2 6 5 7 9 10 3 4 11Bhaluwajor 1 2 5 7 6 8 9 10 3 4 11Salu 1 5 2 6 3 4 7 8 - - 2Sunarpani 6 1 7 9 8 2 5 10 3 4 -Himganga 3 4 5 9 6 7 8 - 1 2 -Rampur 3 4 7 8 5 6 9 10 1 2 -Deurali 1 5 3 6 4 7 8 - - - 2Gothgaun 1 7 3 6 4 5 - - - - 2Daduwa 1 5 2 4 3 6 - - - - 7Phulasi 1 5 2 6 3 4 7 8 - - 9Makadum 1 6 2 5 4 7 - - 8 9 3Hiledevi 1 7 2 8 5 6 9 - 3 4 -Dimipokhari 1 8 2 3 4 7 9 - 5 6 -Bethan 1 6 2 5 4 7 - - - - 3Lakhanpur 1 6 2 5 4 7 - - - - 3Note: Numbers 1 to 10 indicate ranking of species within a location

There are 11 major fruits species found in Ramechhap district among them wild Bael found in

forest of Pakarbas, Bhirpani, Bhaluwajor, Chisapani, Majhuwa VDCs is not cultivated but has

economically very important. Likewise 10 different species of fruits found in Sindhuli district

among them citrus is ranked first and so on. Table 3.1.10 and 3.1.11 presents the rank of

cultivated fruits in both of district. The most prominent fruits species indicated by rank first and

the least prominent fruit ranked by 10 in case of Sindhuli and 11 in case of Ramechhap district.

18

The major fruit species reported in the survey areas include wide range of citrus, banana, pear,

guava, pineapple, peach, papaya, mango, litchi, jackfruit and plum. In the survey citrus was

found to be a major fruit species in all the areas studied. Among the citrus, Junar was reported to

be of significant economic value. In addition to the Junar, mandarin, lemon, lime, pummelo,

citron, rough lemon and shaddok were the other citrus species observed and reported in the areas

studied. Winter beans, radish, potato, onion, peas are traditionally grown in winter and cowpea,

bean, gourds, pumpkin, brinjal, cucumber, tomato, yam and colocasia in summer. Cabbage and

cauliflower could also be observed in various places during the visit. Junar, lime, lemon, banana,

guava, pear, are generally available in few member nearby every household though orchard scale

of production is found only for Junar.

Table 3.1.11 Major fruit species found in Sindhuli district.

Location Major fruit species

Citrus Banana Pear Peach Guava Pine apple

Mango Litchi Jack fruit

Apricot

Baseshwor 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 - - -Kamalamai 1 4 - 8 7 3 6 5 2 -Bhadrakali 1 2 - 5 3 4 7 8 6 -Ratanchura 1 2 3 4 5 - - - - 6Tinkanya 1 2 3 4 5 6 - - - -Jalkanya 1 4 2 3 - - - - - -Jhangajholi 1 3 2 4 6 7 8 9 10 5Ranichuri 1 4 5 7 6 2 8 9 3 -Dundbhanjyang 1 2 3 4 - - - - - -Majuwa 1 3 4 5 2 6 9 8 7 -Bhuwaneshwori 1 3 - 5 2 4 7 6 8 -Sitalpati 1 5 6 7 2 4 8 9 3 -Bitijor 1 2 - - 3 4 - - 5 -3.2 General orchard husbandry systems

3.2.1 Source and types of saplings

Internal supply of saplings was pre-dominant in the areas surveyed. Producing the saplings in

farmers own farm for personal use i.e. 6.4 % in Ramechhap and 7.4% in Sindhuli and purchasing

the Junar saplings from nearby orchards in the village or from private nursery are the common

sources of saplings i.e. 92.5 % in Ramechhap and 91.5 % in Sindhuli. Most of saplings are

distributed from District Agriculture Development Office, other line agencies, non-governmental

organizations, and saplings are purchased by farmers themselves from outside the villages. Out

of total plants, 76.4 % and 58.7 % are grafted in Ramechhap and Sindhuli respectively. Saplings

obtained from the external source are mainly seedlings and the limited number of grafted plants

where as air layered prop gules are less common. Such propagates are mainly obtained from the

source within the villages. Exclusively internal supply of saplings was reported at Okhreni and

19

Sukajor where as both internal and external sources were reported at Fulasi and Daduwa.

Farmers prefer locally produced saplings due to reliability and good quality, timely supply of

saplings in the season, high rate of survivability and for the supply. In addition to those, greater

adaptability of locally produced saplings in local growing environment was also reported.

Almost all the commercial nurseries in Sindhuli and Ramechhap district found above 1000 msl.

Producing seedling at this altitude takes, two or more than two years to get ready for planting in

the orchard. due to slow growth of saplings.

Table 3.2.1: Sapling types used by farmers in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

S.N District Grafted (%) Seedling (%) Both ( %)1 Ramechhap 76.4 19 4.62 Sindhuli 58.7 5.3 36

Source: Field survey, 2006

3.2.2 Layout

Planting of a few Junar trees in front or around the house was observed in old plantations without

any proper layout. However, under new and orchard scale of plantation (>50 trees per orchard),

proper layout were noticed, Rectangular layout was observed at Salu whereas in the other areas

trees are planted in the terrace (single row on the edges of terrace, and in the middle portion of

terrace along the length in narrow terraces and planting double rows in wider terraces). In the

terraces of mid hills, many orchards were planted in the triangular fashion to better utilize space,

air, sunshine and nutrients. Contour system of plantation was not observed at any location and

square system observed very low however, hexagonal and diagonal systems were not seen.

Farmers reported that Junar planted in the inward edges and centre of the terrace do not perform

well particularly in the red soils, compared to the trees planted in the outward edges .The reasons

were relatively higher fertility and good drainage along the outward edges of the terraces due to

outward gradient. Planting Junar in the edges was reported to be easier for plowing operations in

the Junar orchard. Hence, planting trees in the edges and centre was observed to be a dominant

practice in the areas studied. Most of the farmers did not adopted layout techniques in both of the

study district, which is given on table below.

Table 3.2.2: Adoption of layout technique by farmers in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

SN District name Complete adoption (%) Partial adoption (%) No adoption (%)1 Ramechhap 15 25 602 Sindhuli 19.3 38.8 46

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3.2.3 Planting methods

Most of the old plantations were reported to be planted without the purposive pits made for

saplings. Simply pegging even without application of manures was almost a common practice

within and across the area studied. However, digging the pits was reported to be gradually

increasing in the recent plantations. In the pit method of planting, farmers reported that 1-3 feet

size of pits are generally dug one or two months before planting and filled with top soil and

manures. In some areas farmers also burn the pits prior to filling to enhance the fertility and

destroy the disease and insects harboring in the pits. The given table shows adoption of pit

preparation and its spacing by farmers.

Table 3.2.3: Adoption of pit digging practice in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

SN District Complete adoption (%) Partial adoption (%) No adoption (%)1 Ramechhap 6.7 80.2 13.72 Sindhuli 15 51 34

3.2.4 Plant spacing

Consistency in terms of plant spacing particularly in the old orchard was not found. A range of

2.x 2.m to 8 x 8m of spacing for planting Junar practices was reported in the study area. Old

orchards were observed to be narrowly spaced compared to the new plantation. Now farmers are

observing that most of the old plantations which were with narrow spacing were producing the

smaller and poorer quality fruits due to crowding and rapid build up of the problem of diseases

and insects. As a result, farmers are now following wider spacing, which is also due to the

technical advices from DADO, other line agencies, NGOs and farmers own observations in the

other Junar growing areas. The recent plantations were observed to be spaced about 5.x 5.m.

However, in the narrow terraces row to row distances were reduced due to high terrace risers.

Table 3.2.4: Adoption level of disease, pest management in Ramechhap and Sindhuli

SN District name Complete adoption (%) Partial adoption (%) No adoption (%)1 Ramechap 14.4 51.4 34.22 Sindhuli 4.5 62 33.5

3.2.5 Planting seasons

Farmers of all areas studied, reported that Junar are planted in the rainy season. In many cases,

pit digging is carried out during pre-monsoon period and planting is done from Jeshtha onward

until Bhadau. The reason for planting Junar during rainy season is mainly for better stability.

Another explanation for not planting Junar in winter is that, new seedlings cannot resume the

vegetative growth due to inadequate temperature and insufficient moisture in the soil during this

21

season. However, some farmers also reported of planting Junar in other than rainy season, but

only in conditions that ample water for irrigating newly planted citrus saplings are available.

Seedlings of various ages and stages were reported to be used by the farmers for planting. One to

four year old seedlings produced from seeds; 4-6 month old layered shoots and 6-9 months old

grafted plants were used by the farmers. They also reported that older seedlings are better, since

such seedlings come to bearing earlier and withstand stress after planting. Plants raised from

seeds come to bearing 6-8 years after planting, grafted plants take 4-5 years, while the air layered

bear the fruit in 3-4 years of planting. Although the older seedlings are preferred by the farmers,

they were reported to be quite expensive as compared to younger seedlings.

3.2.6 Training and pruning Training of Junar trees was not observed in the areas surveyed.

However, various responses on the pruning were reported by the farmers. Regular pruning of

Junar by majority of the farmers were in practice at Sukajor and Okhreni. Mixed responses on

pruning and training were found in most of the villages, whilst a few farmers also accepted the

pruning and training as important practices for Junar orchard. Pruning practices were followed

by new citrus grower. Removal of water suckers, cleaning of branches up to 2 ft, thinning of

crowded branches, removal of dead and diseased branches, shoots was done in the pruning

practices of Junar. Very interesting fact of finding was that few farmers used Khukuri, Bancharo,

Hansiya as a tools of training pruning. The given table shows that the real picture of training,

pruning adopted by farmers.

Table 3.2.5: Adoption of training, pruning techniques in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

S.N. District Complete adoption (%) Partial adoption (%) No adoption (%)1 Ramechap 21.6 37.1 41.32 Sindhuli 6.3 60.3 33.5

3.2.7 Manuring practices in the orchard

Manuring Junar tree and orchard was found to be a regular practice in all the areas studied.

However, farmers generally do not apply manures and chemical fertilizers on such trees which

are planted near the compost pit or near the homestead where kitchen swills can be applied.

FYM and other organic form of fertilizers are important sources of nutrients in the orchard.

Chemical fertilizer were applied in the orchard the common fertilizers used were DAP, Urea and

Murate of potash. Organic manures are usually applied once a year throughout the areas

surveyed. Time of manure application in the Junar orchards is from Push to Magh in both

bearing and non-bearing trees. In case of bearing orchards, this is done after fruit harvesting is

completed.

22

Wide variation in the methods of manure application was reported by the farmers. Manure is

applied in pit at planting and in the ring around the plant canopy in case of regular manuring. As

trees start bearing and develop substantial canopy, manure is not applied in the ring. But is

spread over the terrace and is ploughed in order to cover the manures, improve orchard situation

and soil structures. Farmers believe that application of manures in the ring for bearing trees is not

as effective as broadcasting system because effective roots of bearing trees are spread farther

than the tree canopy and in the sub-surface of the soil. Given table show the fertilizer

management trend of study area .

Table3.2.6: Adoption of fertilizer management practices in Ramechhap and Sindhuli

SN District Complete adoption (%) Partial adoption (%) No adoption (%)1 Ramechhap 11.8 0 64.00 24.202 Sindhuli 14.80 64.80 20.80

3.2.8 Intercropping practices in the orchard

Intercropping under the orchard is a common practice in the areas studied with various kinds of

inter-crop species included in the system. Crops like maize, millet, wheat, tori, vegetables, many

legume species and other fruit crops such as pineapple, zinger are commonly grown as

intercrops. Maize and Millet are commonly grown as a inter crop in study areas. Until 5-6 years

of plant in farmers can harvest a good yield from intercropped species, however, when the trees

grow up, heavy canopy is developed resulting in shading effect to inter- crops species, and crop

cannot thrive well under such heavy shading conditions. In spite of the poor crop yield in the

subsequent years after the fruit trees reaching bearing stage in the orchards, farmers still grow

crop even for the fodder purpose, which is apparently an important source of feed for the

livestock.

Farmers reported that inter-cropping has both positive and negative effects on the performance of

Junar crop. If the substantial amount of manure is applied for the inter-crop species, it enhances

the productivity of the tree crop in the orchard. Because various cultivation as well as

inter-cultural practices rendered to the inter-crops influence the tree crop. Inter-cropping may

have negative effect on the Junar is severe. It was also observed that orchard without any

inter-crop did not have satisfactory performance. Farmers generally do not cultivate or pay due

attention to the inter-cultural operation in the orchard, if there are no inter-crop species in the

23

orchard. Therefore inter cropping is necessary even to keep the orchard in healthy and productive

condition.

3.2.9 Adoption of weeding practices in the orchard

Weeding in one or the other form is generally practiced in the citrus orchard of the areas studied.

Hoeing and weeding around the tree trunk was reported to be the common practice. One to two

weeding per year is generally given . One hoeing and weeding carried out during push - magh

(when fruits have already been harvested from the bearing trees) and another is during rainy

season (Bhadau - Ashoj ) when there is pressure of weeds in the orchard. Some of the farmers

also reported that hoeing is not essentially practiced in the rainy season and farmers simply pull

out the weeds from around the tree trunk. In the inter-cropping system of plantation, weeding

and hoeing is also practiced at the time when the inter- culture operation and weeding is carried

out for inter- crop species. Weeds harvested during the process are utilized in various ways

feeding to livestock, using for manuring in compost pit, heaping around the tree trunk and using

as bedding materials for livestock.

3.2.10 Adoption of mulching practices in the orchard

Mulching the grown up Junar trees was not a common practice in the areas studied. Not even a

single village was found where whole of the orchards were mulched. Wherever use of mulching

was reported it was practised in small non bearing plants. Mulching is carried out in the month of

push-magh, when the dry season of the year starts. Green manuring species like Titepati, Asuro,

Khirro, other forest leaf litters such as chilaune and crops by-products are used for mulching in

the areas studied. Mulching in the orchard conserves moisture, suppresses weed intensity and

enhances the survivability of the new saplings. However, it is in short supply due to the depletion

ot the forest resources and lack of labour. In some areas studied, few farmers also reported that

materials like maize stover and millet straws are not good as mulching materials, as they

succumb to the termite attack. Green manuring is not common in the areas studied. How ever,

some farmers reported the use of green manure species for mulch. Inclusion of legume crops

like rice bean, soyabean, runner beans, cowpea, blackgram etc in the orchard was also reported

in the areas studied. These legumes in most cases are purposefully grown for the grain, yet, they

contribute for the improvement of soil fertility in the Junar orchard. The given table shows that

the percentage of farmer adopted, mulching practices in both of study district.

Table 3.2.7: Adoption of mulching practices in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts

SN District Complete adoption (%) Partial adoption (%) No adoption (%)

24

1 Ramechhap 11.80 60.00 24.20 2 Sindhuli 14.80 64.80 20.80

3.2.11 Adoption of irrigation and drainage practice

Although irrigation is thought to be a very important practice in the orchard it is not at all

practiced in many sites for Junar trees, Farmers of almost of all locations reported that they have

very little access to irrigation water, hence they do not apply any supplementary irrigation other

than rainwater to Junar orchards. However, some farmers apply water to the plant particularly

the small seedlings till they are well established and the plants which are quite proximal to the

house

In many areas majority of the farmers reported that irrigating Junar orchard after manuring is not

a common practice. However, light winter showers in many paces help to maintain the soil

moisture to some extent in the field. But if the winter rain failed to occur, then the months from

Phagun to Baishakh the most dry period of the year in the orchard farmers realized the

importance of irrigation for such a dry period. According to the farmers flowering and fruit

setting are the critical stages of irrigation for Junar. Citrus in the hills is mainly grown under the

rain-fed condition. However, depending upon availability, supplementary irrigation is also

applied on the orchard. The table shows the irrigation management of orchards. Only 8.90 %

farmers in Ramechap and 5.00 % farmers in sindhuli manage irrigation in any way as per their

resources.

Table 3.2.8: Adoption of irrigation practices in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

SN District Complete adoption (%) Partial adoption (%) No adoption (%)1 Ramechhap 8.90 25.60 65.502 Sindhuli 5.00 33.30 61.50

25

3.3 Production status of citrus

3.3.1 Area and number of plantation

In Ramechhap district, out of total land (48641 ropani), 83.41% (40569.5 ropani) and 16.59%

(8071.5 ropani) were bari and khet land respectively among the surveyed house holds. On the

bari, only 15.09% area was covered by citrus. Junar (Ist) and orange (IInd) was the most popular

fruit species being cultivated in both subsistence and commercial scale of production, ranging

from a few trees to over 1000 Junar plants in a single orchard. Old trees of Junar surviving and

producing the fruit over 50 years as well as newly planted saplings were also observed during the

survey. At present, the proportion of non-bearing plants is slightly high compared to the bearing

plants. The overall proportion of bearing to non-bearing plant was around 44:56% in

Ramechhap. All Junar in the study area were of the local ecotypes, without any exotic cultivars.

Table 3.1: Area and number of citrus trees planted in Ramechhap district.

S.N.

VDC Name Land type Number of plants

Bari Khet Junar Mandarin Lime Othercitrus

Total

1 Daduwa 932 494 2424 584 76 175 3259

2 Fulasi 3142 2647 6229 2183 1823 546 10781

3 Bethan 1424 188.5 1045 684 197 2 1928

4 Makadum 587 307 1115 112 67 4 1298

5 Gothgaun 389 435 814 58 39 0 911

6 Sunarpani 786 113 1062 76 76 0 1214

7 Salu 4626 1084 5554 381 337 0 6272

8 Deurali 252 205 315 55 47 0 417

9 Hiledevi 1912 221.5 1434 1852 1144 0 4430

10 Lakhanpur 1636 456 103 5467 27 0 5597

11 Dimipokhari 1346.5 354.5 1506 1408 406 0 3320

12 Himganga 1517 146 1579 192 249 18 2038

13 Ramechhap 3034 292 7256 809 2085 1 10151

14 Bhaluajor 3515 202 2229 112 198 1 2540

15 Okhreni 7625 452.5 16323 1572 720 21 18636

16 Sukajor 6215 408.5 8922 619 2689 23 12253

17 Rampur 1631 65 5963 293 530 2 6788

Total 40569.5 8071.5 63873 16457 10710 793 91833Source: Field Survey, 2006

The topographical environment ranging from 1000-1400 msl is best suited for fresh sweet

orange, mandarin orange, lime and lemon cultivation in Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts. Other

suitable fruit species to grow were plum, persimon, pear, fig, kaphal, guava, etc. Custard apple,

26

bael and amla are naturally grown in forest areas of Bhatauli, Pakarbas, Bhaluwajor, Sukajor and

Ramechhap VDCs in Ramechhap.

Some VDCs of Ramechhap district (Okhreni, Salu, Sukajor), which planted more number of

citrus plants, had higher tree productivity, attractive fruit quality, fetch more annual income per

tree, were privileged by the following factors:

1. Climatic suitability, conducive sunshine and topographical facing

2. Soil depth and quality (less stony, porous underground)

3. Access to technical information and training on nursery production and cultivation

4. Nearness to demonstration farm (located in Salu and Bhaluwajor VDCs)

5. Adjoined to district head-quarter and motor-able gravel road network in most of VDCs

6. Motivation of long working Japanese volunteers and DADO staffs

Table 3. 2: Area and number of citrus trees planted in Sindhuli district.

S N. VDCType of Land Junar Mandarin Lime Total

Bari Khet

1 Baseshwori 1254 521 5639 2193 18 7850

2 Kamalamai 707 701 399 243 789 1431

3 Bhadrakali 1086 625.8 1126 97 1520 2743

4 Ratanchura 4392 2302 12659 3150 2639 18448

5 Tinkanya 5590.5 2273.5 10972 5227 501 16700

6 Jalkanya 2684 1901 2935 1142 1166 5243

7 Jhangajholi 3727 1192 3359 1890 2120 7369

8 Ranichuri 702 755 828 525 748 2101

9 Dundbhanjyang 398 91 272 125 19 416

10 Majuwa 675 446 969 300 370 1639

11 Bhuwaneshwori 904 177 2293 879 51 3223

12 Sitalpati 624 740 714 330 344 1388

13 Bitijor 1247 424.5 2473 976 198 3647

Total 23990.5 12149.8 44638 17077 10483 72198Source: Field survey, 2006

Likewise, the surveyed area in Sindhuli was 36140.3 ropani, of which 66.38% and 33.62% were

under bari and khet, respectively. Out of the 23990.5 ropani bari, 20.06% was covered by citrus;

and 13.3% with respect to total land. In Ramechhap, only 12.59% land was planted with citrus.

The trend of area coverage in Bari Sindhuli and Ramechhap seems similar.

27

3.3.2 Bearing and non-bearing of citrus

Table 3.3: Number of bearing and non-bearing citrus trees in Ramechhap district

SN VDC Name Total

Area

Total

trees*

Non bearing trees (No) Bearing trees (No)

Junar Mandarin Lime Junar Mandarin Lime

1 Daduwa 217.26 3259 1338 396 60 1086 188 16

2 Fulasi 718.73 10781 3438 1482 1437 2791 701 386

3 Bethan 128.53 1928 577 464 155 468 220 42

4 Makadum 86.54 1298 615 76 53 500 36 14

5 Gothgaun 60.73 911 449 39 31 365 19 8

6 Sunarpani 80.94 1214 586 52 60 476 24 16

7 Salu 418.13 6272 3065 259 266 2489 122 71

8 Deurali 27.80 417 174 37 37 141 18 10

9 Hiledevi 295.33 4430 791 1257 902 643 595 242

10 Lakhanpur 373.14 5597 57 3710 21 46 1757 6

11 Dimipokhari 221.33 3320 831 956 320 675 452 86

12 Himganga 135.86 2038 872 130 196 707 62 53

13 Ramechhap 676.73 10151 4005 549 1644 3251 260 441

14 Bhaluajor 169.33 2540 1230 76 156 999 36 42

15 Okhreni 1242.40 18636 9009 1067 568 7314 505 152

16 Sukajor 816.87 12253 4924 420 2120 3998 199 569

17 Rampur 452.53 6788 3291 199 418 2672 94 112

Total 6122.2 91833 35254 11169 8444 28619 5288 2266

Source: Survey, 2006 * Among the citrus trees, 793 plants were nibuwa

Out of total 72198 trees planted in Sindhuli (Table 3.3), 61. 44 % and 45 % of Junar, mandarin

and lime were bearing fruits, respectively. Out of three citrus fruits, comparative advantage

should be worked out with respect to economic benefit, tree productivity and fruit quality or

popularity.

28

Table 3.4: Number of bearing and non-bearing citrus trees in Sindhuli district, Nepal

SN

VDC and ward no.

Total area (Ropani)

Total citrustrees(No)

NonbearingJunar trees (No)

Nonbearingorangetrees (No)

Nonbearinglimetrees (No)

BearingJunartrees (No)

BearingMandarintrees (No)

Bearinglimetrees (No)

1 Baseshwor 523.33 7850 2225.71 1228.08 9.9 3413.29 964.92 8.1

2 Kamalamai 95.40 1431 157.49 136.08 433.95 241.51 106.92 355.05

3 Bhadrakali 182.87 2743 444.43 54.32 836 681.57 42.68 684

4 Ratanchura 1229.87

1844

8 4996.51 1764 1451.45 7662.49 1386

1187.5

5

5 Tinkanya 1113.33

1670

0 4330.65 2927.12 275.55 6641.35 2299.88 225.45

6 Jalkanya 349.53 5243 1158.44 639.52 641.3 1776.56 502.48 524.7

7 Jhangajholi 491.27 7369 1325.80 1058.4 1166 2033.20 831.6 954

8 Ranichuri 140.07 2101 326.81 294 411.4 501.19 231 336.6

9

Dundbhanjyan

g 27.73 416 107.36 70 10.45 164.64 55 8.55

10 Majuwa 109.27 1639 382.46 168 203.5 586.54 132 166.5

11

Bhuwaneshwor

i 214.87 3223 905.05 492.24 28.05 1387.95 386.76 22.95

12 Sitalpati 92.53 1388 281.82 184.8 189.2 432.18 145.2 154.8

13 Bitijor 243.13 3647 976.09 546.56 108.9 1496.91 429.44 89.1

Total 4813.20

7219

8 17618.62 9563.12 5765.65

27019.3

8 7513.88

4717.3

5Source: Field survey, 2006

Junar, Mandarin and limes all had better yield per plant in Sindhuli district than in Ramechhap.

The causes of low yield of citrus in Ramechhap were governed by the following factors:

1. Low rainfall and south facing slopes prone to draught, fruit fall and poor appearance

2. Disease and scale damaged stems and branches, proportionately higher in number and

severity, respectively

3. Replanting and replacement of old trees insufficient.

4. Poor manure and fertilization

5. More number of newly planted trees producing lower yields

6. Lower sale price per tree, lack of encouragement

The total number of 91040 trees, were accompanied as Junar, mandarin and lime in Ramechhap

(table 3.4), out of which 45%, 32% and 21% trees are bearing and 55%, 68% and 79% are

non-bearing respectively. Generally in well managed condition five years old trees starts to bear

29

where as trees aged over 7 years assumes 50% bearing capacity, reaching full capacity in more

than 10 years.

3.3.3 Production and income from citrus

Table 3.5: Production and income of citrus fruits in Ramechhap district

S.No.

VDC Name Junar Mandarin Lime Total Total Income

perVDC

Production

(KG)

Income@Rs5.2

5

Production

(KG)

Income@ Rs10.5

Production

(KG)

Income

@ Rs15

production (kg)

Daduwa 89060 467565 17544 184212 80 1200 106685 652977

2 Fulasi 206308 1083117 33492 351666 3020 45300 242820 1480083

3 Bethan 22498118114.

5 13777 144658.5 485 7275 36760 270048

4 Makadum 24949130982.

3 915 9607.5 136 2040 26001 142629.8

5 Gothgaun 14476 75999 326 3423 83 1245 14884 80667

6 Sunarpani 1859197602.7

5 305 3202.5 53 795 18949 101600.3

7 Salu 128408 674142 2372 24906 764 11460 131544 710508

8 Deurali 437522968.7

5 331 3475.5 99 1485 4806 27929.25

9 Hiledevi 34645181886.

3 37839 397309.5 2943 44145 75427 623340.8

10 Lakhanpur 1177 6179.25 64852 680946 25 375 66054 687500.3

11Dimipokhari 35520 186480 20023 210241.5 966 14490 56509 411211.5

12 Himganga 45838240649.

5 2198 23079 592 8880 48628 272608.5

13 Ramechhap 167075877143.

8 6511 68365.5 5792 86880 179379 1032389

14 Bhaluajor 67184 352716 1439 15109.5 1157 17355 69780 385180.5

15 Okhreni 419805 2203976 14228 149394 2648 39720 436681 2393090

16 Sukajor 162182851455.

5 5439 57109.5 730510957

5 174927 1018140

17 Rampur 183872 965328 2118 22239 2523 37845 188513 1025412

Total 1625965 8536306 2237122348944.

5 2867143006

5 18783471131531

5

Farmers cultivating citrus in Ramechhap reap annual income of Rs 11315315. It produced Junar,

mandarin, and lime, a volume of 162.5965, 223.712 and 28.671 on the year 2062/63. Farmers in

Ramechhap get Rs. 5.25, 10.50 and 15.0 per kg of fruit, respectively as mentioned for above

30

fruits, is less than that of Sindhuli. The average annual income per tree of Junar, mandarin and

lime in Ramechhap was Rs. 298.27, 444.20 and 189.79 respectively.

Sindhuli gains a total of Rs. 32536405.82 for sale of 3 citrus fruit species. It produces Junar,

mandarin and lime totaling a volume of 396.37 mt (Table 3.7). The prices for Junar, mandarin

and lime are Rs. 6.82, 12.25 and 17.0 per kilogram, respectively. On an average, a fruit from a

single tree is sold on Rs. 788.53 per year, where as that of orange and lime on Rs. 1044.92 and

716.38 respectively. Farmers also reported that there is a trend of alternate yearly bearing in

some Junar trees. They also experienced that heavy bearing is always followed by reduced

bearing in the succeeding year and late harvest of the fruits from the tree apparently affect the

performance in the succeeding year. However, the occurrence of alternate bearing is not much

severe in citrus species.

Table 3.6: Production and income of citrus fruits in Sindhuli district, Nepal 2062/63

S N VDCs Junar Mandarin Lime Total

incomeProduction

(kg)

Income

@ Rs 6.82

Production

(kg)

Income

@ Rs12.25

Productn

(kg)

Income

@ Rs 17

1 Baseshwori 394644.2 2691473.51 82307.68 1008269.08 341.33 5802.61 3705545.20

2 Kamalamai 27923.93 190441.20 9120.28 111723.43 14961.81 254350.77 556515.40

3 Bhadrakali 78802.87 537435.57 3640.6 44597.35 28823.76 490003.92 1072036.84

4 Ratanchura 885937.4 6042093.14 118225.8 1448266.05 50043.36 850737.12 8341096.31

5 Tinkanya 767873.1 5236894.34 196179.76 2403202.06 9500.46 161507.82 7801604.22

6 Jalkanya 205405.4 1400864.49 42861.54 525053.87 22110.86 375884.62 2301802.97

7 Jhangajholi 235078.9 1603238.10 70935.48 868959.63 40201.56 683426.52 3155624.25

8 Ranichuri 57947.4 395201.27 19704.3 241377.68 14184.32 241133.44 877712.38

9 Dundbhanjyang 19035.86 129824.57 4691.5 57470.88 360.3 6125.1 193420.54

10 Majuwa 67815.26 462500.07 11259.6 137930.10 7016.31 119277.27 719707.44

11 Bhuwaneshwori 160475.1 1094440.25 32990.63 404135.22 967.11 16440.87 1515016.34

12 Sitalpati 49969.14 340789.53 12385.56 151723.11 6523.27 110895.59 603408.23

13 Bitijor 173072.4 1180353.63 36631.23 448732.57 3754.67 63829.39 1692915.59

Total 3123981 21305549.6 640933.96 7851441.01 198789.1 3379415.21 32536405.82

Source: Field survey, 2006

3.3.4 Productivity of citrus

Examination of the yield trend resulted in the mixed responses of the farmers. The farmers

reported increasing, constant and decreasing yield trends. It was learnt from the survey that

31

increasing yield trend was really due to more number of trees coming into bearing, decrease was

due to reduced productivity of individual tree compared to that of yield level in the past. The

yield per plant of citrus fruits were almost half in Ramechhap than in Sindhuli. As mentioned

earlier, the good reasons for better fruit quality or higher tree productivity might be less

favorable in Ramechhap or it maybe due to other economic and socio-cultural reasons. The yield

increasing was due to more number of plants coming into bearing from new orchards; rather

productivity is decreasing on old trees.

Table 3.7: Trend of yield of Junar, Mandarin and Limes in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

Location s Yield/plant (Kg)Average Maximum Minimum Yield trend

(+ or -)RamechhapJunar 56.81 200 5 DecreasingMandarin 42.31 200 5 DecreasingLime/lemon 12.65 50 2 DecreasingSindhuliJunar 115.63 450 2 DecreasingMandarin 85.30 500 10 DecreasingLime/lemon 42.14 250 2 DecreasingSource: Field survey, 2006

Increasing trend of production seems due to newly planted orchard coming into bearing but

productivity of orchard decreasing in both of district. Non-adoption of technologies and

decreasing productivity when relate the facts will be very serious issue and campaign based

awareness is seems indispensable.

32

3.4 Post harvest, marketing and processing of citrus

3.4.1 HarvestingHarvesting of the Junar starts from mid Ashoj onward to Phagun. However, the peak harvesting

period falls within Mangsir. Fruits are mostly picked up individually from the plants. Early

harvesting is performed in the situation where tree/orchards are far from home and where

stealing problem occurs. Early harvesting before ripening of fruits also observed in both of the

study district before Dashain, Tihar and Chhath Parba because of high demand of fruits

consquently farmers getting high price. Farmers who need the cash urgently during the time of

Dashain and Tihar also sell their fruits quite earlier and unripe. Whereas farmers who want to get

more profit generally harvest late (Magh/Phagun). But keeping fruits on trees for longer time is

reported to have adverse effect on fruit bearing in the following season, therefore farmers prefer

Junar with better keeping quality to overcome this problems. Methods of harvesting when

analysed, more than 50 percent of the farmers were not adopting the harvesting techniques in

both of the district. This information is suficient to aware the concerned agencies to focus

Table 3.4.1: Adoption of safe harvesting techniques in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

District Complete adoption Partial adoption No adoptionRamechhap 10.00 34.40 56.60Sindhuli 12.00 35.50 52.50Source: Field survey,2006

3.4.2 Time of selling of Citrus Fruits On an average 20 percent of Junar fruits sold before harvesting maturity. This volume of Junar

goes mainly for Dashain, Tihar and Chhath Parba without considering the maturity of Junar. It

means there is no problem of selling of citrus. Selling of Junar fruits mainly goes through lower

belt of the district where maturity of fruits comes earlier than the higher altitude. Other

determining factors behind selling of Junar before physiological maturity is need of finance

during the time of Dashain and farmers perceive that early harvesting of Junar gives better

quality and quantity of fruits for the next season.

Table 3.4.2: Time of selling of citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

District Before the ripening (%) After ripening (%)

Sindhuli 20 80Ramechhap 23 77Source: Field survey, 2006

3.4.3 Adoption of storage

33

For the farmer, with the commercialization of agriculture, disposal of the produce has become as

important as the adoption of storage practices. It is recognized that better and more stable prices

alone can sustain the increased intensity of input use on the farms to increase production. Unless

marketing improves, no incentive to increase production will attract the cultivators .This is all

the more important in case of fruits which needed more cost to store for long periods due to their

perishability and quality deterioration. Analysis of adoption of storage practice for citrus fruit

indicates that very limited farmers adopting the storage practice. The findings clearly picturized

the necessity of storage facility in the pocket area.

Table3.4.3: Adoption of storage as a technology by farmers of Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

District Stage of adoptionComplete adoption (%) Partial adoption (%) No adoption (%)

Ramechhap 2.2 36.70 61.10Sindhuli 3.3 22.30 74.50Source: Field Survey, 2006

3.4.4 Price and Pricing

The price fetched by farmers without much bargaining is substantial which has encouraged

farmers to increase area under Junar. Price of Junar oranges varies across the locations and

months of harvest. Fruit produced around the road head and close to market were reported to be

sold relatively on expensive price as compared to remote areas. Average farm gate price over

locations showed about one rupee per fruit in wholesale selling. Average farm gate price was Rs.

105 per 100 piece of Mandarin ranging from Rs 90 to Rs 120 for Ramechhap district which is

lower than the Sindhuli district. Likewise farmers fetch Rs 100 per 100 for Mandarin ranging

from Rs 100 to Rs 145. The case is repeated by it in case of Junar, which is higher rate of Junar

in case of Sindhuli compared to Ramechhap district. Price of Mandarin found higher than Junar

in both of the study district. The reason behind lower price of Junar is peeling characteristics of

Junar and easy detachment of Mandarin segments.

Table 3.4.4: Farmers selling price of Mandarin and Junar in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

District Mandarin (Rs/100 fruits ) Junar (Rs/100 fruits )Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum

Ramechhap 90 105 120 50 75 100Sindhuli 100 122.50 145 75 97.50 120Source: Field observation, 2006.

34

As the farm output increases, there must be a market for these products and a price enough to

repay the farmer for his incurred costs and his efforts in production. Agriculture marketing is a

process, which starts with a decision to produce a saleable farm commodity and it involves all

aspects of market structure of system, both functional and institutional based on technical and

academic considerations and includes pre-and post-harvest operations, assembly, grading,

storage, packaging transportation and distribution. For the farmer, disposal of his product is as

important as the adoption of improved technologies to produce more.

3.4.5 Price formation at different level

Most of the respondent responded that price of Mandarin and Junar is formed between farmers

and traders in lump sum basis followed by counting and weighing. But the case is reverse in case

of sellers and buyer. The seller preferred to sell their product by counting followed by weighing.

The focus group discussion in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district prioritized that the price

formation at farmers’ whole seller and retailer depends on mostly the supply and demand of the

market, previous day price, dealing with contractors and brokers’ commission, quality of the

produce, speculative price based on situation, and product amount bargaining based on quality,

and addition of profit.

Another district feature of price formation of citrus products are majorities of farmers sells their

fruits through middlemen because they have no producer group and have no access to the distant

market. Therefore there exist a big gap between producer and consumer. Further more farmers

have no bargaining power of their produce and are deprived of higher profit

Table 3.4.5: Price formation at farmers, wholesalers and retailers level

Farmers Wholesalers RetailersSupply and demand of market Supply and demand of market Based on purchased price Previous day price Catering of businessman Supply and demand of market Contractors' commission Quality of the produce Quality of the produce Quality of the produce Speculative price Previous day price Speculative price Based on purchased price Bargaining based on quality Product amount Bargaining based on quality Addition of profit Financial obligations Speculative Quantity/qualitySource: FGD, 2006

3.4.6 Fruit utilization

Most of the Junar produced in the region was reported to be utilized as fresh fruit. Limited use of

Junar for the preparation of squashes, jam, jelly, marmalade and candy was also reported in the

35

visit. In addition, some farmers were found utilizing Junar for brewing liquor. However, farmers

were interested to know more about fruit utilization particularly for such products which can be

marketed easily.

Table 3.4.6: Utilization of fruit for diferent purposes in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

District Table purpose (%) Processing (%) Post harvest loss +

Home consumption (%)Ramechhap 70 2 28Sindhuli 70 1 29Source: Observation, 2006

Production of processed product of Ramechhap district has higher than Sindhuli district. But one

contrasting factor between these districts is that no fresh juice available in the Ramechhap

district but three fruit shop has been selling fresh juice in Sindhuli district.

Table 3.4.7: Processing status of Juice of Junar in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

Ramechhap Prodn. Sindhuli Prodn.Ramechhap Food Product P LtdRamechhap Agro Forest Prod. P. LtdRamechhap Parbat Junar SquashBudha Laxmi Juice ProductBishnu Kumar ShreshthaMegreli Juice UdhogTamakoshi Forest Product processing

500023332700320010005001000

Sindhuli Junar Prasodhan Compony.Fresh Juice (Retail Fruit shop)

10000500

Total 10500Source: Observation, 2006

3.4.7 Marketing

Junar is turning out to be the most lucrative fruit crop in the mid hills where citrus can be grown

with the most assured market. As its plantation and production is increasing, its marketing

system is also getting complex. Unlike the marketing problems of temperate fruits in Mustang

and Jumla district, farmers did not report marketing to be any severe problem in the Junar areas

visited. It is also supported by field observation that, as majority of fruit picking was already

completed during early Mansir, and farmers were happy with the price they got.

Intermediaries are involved in buying fruits in standing crop. Fruit is also sold by counts. This

formed the major marketing system in the areas away from road heads and market. Normally

intermediaries pick and carry fruits to nearest road heads by employing local people. The

average farm-gate price varied from 0.75 to one rupee a fruit. The fruits are sold in local markets

36

and go up to Kathmandu and Pokhara. Middlemen tend to sell to the wholesalers in urban

markets. Different types of marketing systems of Junar as reported in the survey are presented in

Figure 3.4.1. Selling fruits to the doke (either as retailer or acting as middleman), selling by

producer to either wholesaler or middleman or retailer or producer acting as retailer were the

different marketing systems. Farmers of Ratanchura, Tinkannya of Sindhuli district also act as a

middleman and they have been carrying Junar to Sindhuli Bazar. Lack of organised marketing

and formation of user groups to maximize growers interest is lacking. Very interesting fact is

that Junar Bikash Shangh of both district found no involvement in marketing of citrus and price

regularization.

The farm products of districts brought to collection center through marketing agents of farmers

themselves or group of farmers or cooperatives. From colletion center it brought to Narayanghat,

Kalimati, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Janakpur market for sale. From the district centered market these

fruits sales by retailer, bicycle vendor to consumer, school/hostels, and hotels/restaurants. In

these case also involving various marketing agencies or middlemen. The retailer brings to

retailer market; bicycle vendor walks door to door to sale these fruits and goes to the hand of

ultimate consumers. In general, there are major four types of marketing channel observed for

citrus product.

Farmer ConsumerFarmer Contractor ConsumerFarmer Contractor Trader ConsumerFarmer Contractor Wholesaler Retailer Consumer

37

Figure 3.4.1: Marketing system of citrus fruit in the Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts of Nepal

38

Consumer

Middle-man

Wholesaler

Producer

RetailerThela/Cycle

Doke vender

Transportagent

3.4.8 Marketing system

The farm product, which reaches to the ultimate consumers through the hands of various

marketing agents is called the marketing channels. Marketing channel also helps determining the

prices. More the numbers of marketing channel, higher the price and vice versa. Market itself

organized the intermediaries, so that market is functioning well. The invisible roles of the

intermediaries are organized by market. In case of those orchards where fruits are sold on

contract to the middlemen, most of the fruits from orchard are harvested at 'one-go', but in case

of other arrangements, where farmers sell their produce by theme selves or sell to Doke traders

in the local market, selling are carried out in different phases.

Table 3.4.8: Marketing channel observed in citrus fruits in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

District Marketing systemPre-contractual system Contractual system after ripening

Whole orchard (%) Number of trees/fruits (%)Ramechhap Limited/Not existent 11 89Sindhuli Limited/Not existent 19 81Source: Field survey, 2006.

3.4.9 Market outlet for citrus

Most of the farmer preferred contractual selling from field and their nearest market where they

have to transport short distance. An universal fact that, there are substantial losses in

transportation, it required transportation costs and risk of not selling the goods in time so that

they have to bear extra expenses. Observation on the study area found that there were no

structures and semi structured collection centers in both of study district. But one structured and

one semi structured collection centers found in Sindhuli DHQ

Table 3.4.9: Major outlets and collection centers for citrus marketing in Ramechhap and Sindhuli

District Major outlets Marketingstructures

Collection points Marketstructure

Ramechhap Ramechhap VDC, Milti Khola, Dolalghat, Sitkha, Nepalthok

0 Sukajor, Bhalukhop,Doramba

0

Sindhuli Sindhuli Bazar, Kamalmai 2 Tinkannya,Khaniyakharka

0

Source: Field survey, 2006.

3.4.10 Packaging materials and transportation

The modes of transportation are porters, mules, bus, truck and tractors. As a result, it involves

high transportation costs and is time consuming. Further more they also reported fruit damage up

39

to 25% during transportation. The major urban areas of the study districts are linked by motor

able roads. Beyond urban areas, no road networks linking the citrus producing areas with market.

Very limited proportion of fruits (0.80 percent) transported in cartoon, 92 percent in Doko, 2

percent in crates and 2.50 percent in jute bags in Sindhuli. The case is different for Ramechhap,

where no cartoon were used 66 percent in Doko, 0.20 percent in crates and 34.37 percent in jute

sacks as a packaging materials. Appropriate cartoon and crates enhance the transportation

efficiency and post harvest life of fruits. The finding hence clearly proved the opportunities for

cartoon and crates making enterprise.

Table 3.4.10: Use of packaging materials for transportation and storage of citrus

District Packaging materials (%)Cartoon Doko Crates Jute Sack/ Bag

Ramechhap 0.00 66.00 0.20 34.37Sindhuli 0.80 92.00 2.00 2.50Source: Field survey, 2006.

However, while talking to processing in the context of Ramechhap and Sindhuli district, where

there is very poor post-harvest handling practices, processing industry should not be taken in

isolations but also combined with packaging house, cellar store, cold storage are processing unit

etc. So, that quality fresh fruits could be marketed according to the demand and so as to the

processed products. All of these information shows that there is an opportunity to differentiate

the fresh product in the market place by branding the product and delivering superior products to

the consumer not in a traditional way especially in the new intervention area.

3.4.11 Marketing agents and flow of information

Fruit productions are scattered in the districts. These products mostly consumed in the urban

areas. Most of farmers cannot bring their farm products to the hands of ultimate consumers until

and unless the middlemen are actively involved. Hence, MIS plays pivotal role in channeling the

agricultural produce with market. Citrus grower, whole seller, middle man, and retailer were

getting information by different level of the citrus production and marketing as per their

accessibility. No case was found in any phase of institutional involvement for marketing and

channeling of produce to balance the demand and supply of product in both of the district.

Table 3.4.11: Type of agents involved in marketing of citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

DistrictMarketing agents

Institutional Whole seller Middle man RetailerRamechhap Not existent Existent Existent Existent

40

Sindhuli Not existent Existent Existent ExistentSource: Observation, 2006

3.4.12 Status opportunities and potentialities of citrus processing

Junar has created employment opportunities in both of district. In Sindhuli, 45-90 traders with

15-30 stalls are involved including local farmers who supply fruit to the markets and have

employed 400-500 local farmers. In Ramechhap haat, every thursday more than 500 dokos of

Junar un-loaded and carried to Manthali, Dolkha, Sindhuli and Kathmandu. More than 20 people

have been engaged as a full time in processing of Junar in Ramechhap

By assuming on an average 35 % of the non bearing fruits of Mandarin and Junar in five year of

period will be coming into bearing fruits and at the rate of productivity of concern districts the

production come to 6935 mt. 4725 mt. of citrus in Sindhuli and Ramechhap district

respectively. Table below presents the potentialities of citrus processing in Ramechhap and

Sindhuli district

Table 3.4.12: Production and market supply situation of citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli

Particular Unit DistrictSindhuli Ramechhap

1. Total plants of citrus No 72198 918332. Total number of bearing plants No 39252 413243. Total production Mt 3767 18784. Productive plants increase in next 5 yrs. No 32946 548675. In next 5 year production of citrus increase No 3161 28476. Total production in next 5 years Mt 6935 47257. Post harvest loss + home consumption assuming 30 % of total

production

Mt 2080 1417

8. Proportion of sale to the total production Mt 4855 33089. Sale for processing purpose (Assuming 10 % of total sale) Mt 485 330 Total juice production Liter 161833 110000

Due to urbanization, the urban people use to change their food habit to adopt the fruit processed

products like juices drinking and eat the breads Jams, Jelly and Marmalades. The using of

processed products of fruits like jam, marmalades and fruits juices are increasing day by day.

The people of departmental stores told us products of Nepal are not good quality. So the buyers

of processed fruits products wanted from Department stores the assured good quality products.

The buyers are used to buy foreign processed fruits products. To increase the demand of

processed fruits products of Nepal there should be improve in quality production. With

considering of consumers demands of Nepalese processed fruits products come to produce in

improving quality, there will be increasing the demand and gradually replaced the imported

41

foreign product by Nepalese fruit processed products. By considering all these factors of supply

and demands of citrus fruits the medium scale capacity fruit processing industry will be feasible

in the following districts.

In Sindhuli, it will be feasible to establish the medium scale processing industry with capacity of

161833 liters of juice. In Ramechhap, it will be feasible to establish the medium scale processing

industry with capacity of up to 110000 liters of juice.

3.4.13 Feasibility of citrus enterprise development

Two processing enterprise, one in each is operating in Ramechhap and Sindhuli with support of

MEDEP. Processing industries are needed to produce diversified processed products that can

reduce the difficulties of transport and transfer fresh fruits to low volume high value products.

These products not only add value to the produce but create more income to the farmers by

giving employment, and also can reduce the volume of loss and damage due to timely use of raw

materials. Therefore linking the production to processing industries is essential and important

where there is commercial fruit production. In this connection, the surveyed pocket area being

climatically more suitable for commercial cultivation of citrus especially Mandarin, sweet

orange and lime. Processing industry can be feasible because commercial production of citrus

has been coming to the markets. Farmers are being encouraged towards expanding the citrus area

under cultivation. This parameter shows the possibility of establishing processing industries in

the district. It has also been reported that the lack of processing industry are the hindrances on

42

Box-2: Involvement of Dalit in Processing of Junar: Ray of hope in social inclusion

Ramechhap Food Products has been registered in Office of the Company Registrar Kathmandu

on 2062/08/29. The company has 40 members share holders with 34 women with share capital

of NRs 2, 50,000. The company has produced 15000 litres of squash and earned NRs 6, 00,000

in FY 2062/63. Twenty people have been engaged as part time and 11 people as a full time

employee. Company has been suffered in its beginning due to involvement of dalits in

processing of pulp. As the industry was run in rented building, due to involvement Rajan

Nepali, Sita B.K company do not found any rented building for processing in its initial phase of

origin. The company was supported by MEDEP Ramechhap for its soft ware package.

commercialization of citrus farming in the district. Farmers found to be discouraged due to low

price of the produce.

The processing industry at Ramechhap is run by sweet orange farmer. The industry produces

2500 lit Junar Juice and is marketed in 2.5 lit and 1 lit plastic bottle costing Rs 270 and Rs 80,

respectively. The industry focuses the Ramechhap market and there is no marketing problem for

that amount of Juice.

Therefore from the survey, three type of cases have been observed one failure due to the weak

management and co-ordination (Sindhuli) one very primitive type industry (Ramechhap) From

these case studies it is clear that the small scale processing industry seems to be feasible to tide

the start in the beginning. The capacity of the processing industry is need to be assessed in detail

based on the availability of raw material. Therefore, for local level market setting up a medium

scale processing enterprise capacity (around 1000 msl) can be feasible in the starting points.

With less than 40% of Junar plants in productive phase in the region, country looks set to

achieve self-sufficiency in Junar. It can well be imagined that by four to five years time

marketing may emerge as a major problem when rest of the trees come to fruiting unless other

solutions are thought and planned intimae. Any threat to this enterprise may have for reaching

consequences as it is turning out to be one of the sources of livelihood for a considerable section

of the farming household in the region. Farmers discussed the need of cold storage to get better

return in off season. Apart from Junar sweet orange, lime, lemon, grape fruit, citron types of

citrus can be seen growing but have little economic importance.

Box: 3 Failure of processing enterprise: An experience for all

In Sindhuli, Hill fruits (Pahadi Phalphool) Processing Industry was established in 2052 BS

in Kamalamai Municipality -6 with the cooperation of Agriculture Development Bank. The

capital investment of the industry was Rs 190 thousand. It used produce to only sweet

orange juice and marketed in 250 ml. Plastic bottle, which had good market in eastern

Nepal. The annual production was 4000 liters of juice. The industry worked well till 2054

BS. From 2055 BS it did not work. As the industry was run in rented building at present

they have already left the building and there is no chance of reviving the industry. No any

technical reasons were found during the survey for the industry's failure except very weak

management and co-ordination among the partners. Non-transparency in financial dealing

has been the main cause of the failure. ADB due loan has been raised to around Rs 900

thousand by now.

43

The new citrus area being developed in the district have clearly shows that there is an

opportunity to differentiate product in the market place by branding the product and developing

and delivering a perceived superior product to the consumer and not be in a traditional way.

These new operations being developed are on much larger scale than the traditional growing

areas as the citrus grower have identified that they would require economies of scale to be

economically viable in the medium to long term. Strategic approaches to the development of new

citrus growing are required. The opportunities exit to develop the lower to higher belt ranging

from 600 to 1200 msl which would allow for optimum production across six months of the year.

3.4.14 Scope of Junar in Sindhuli and Ramechhap district

The following point highlights the scope and significance of growing and processing of citrus

1. Citrus are basic needs for many kinds of industries or factories like packaging materials

construction, canning, preservation, and dehydration and essential oil extraction etc there

by supporting post harvest fruit industries.

2. To meet the daily requirement of diets from nutritional point of view, the demand of

citrus is very high, therefore more and more area under fruit crop have to be brought and

productivity has to be improved.

3. Citrus growing not only help development of package, transportation, refrigeration, cold

storage but also support other development sector as apiculture as a enterprise.

44

Box: 4 Supermarket can play major role in promotion of processed Junar products

The role of super market is increasing and supermarkets are associated with urbanization. Fruits

and vegetables shops are still important for fresh citrus. Brands and attractiveness, portable

packagings are emphasized along with quality of product in supermarkets. Supermarkets are

looking to maximize their return on inventory investment. They utilize category management

techniques to identify which brand produces the best

3.5 Problems, constraints and recommendation for citrus development

3.5.1 Problem ranking of citrus grower

Small to large-scale farmer of Ramechhap district identified five major problems. Pair matrix of

those problems revealed that problem of lack of technical know-how was ranked as top problem

while disease/insect pest and marketing facility ranked the other important problem respectively.

Table 3.5.1: Problems ranking of citrus grower of Ramechhap district

SN Problems First priority (%) Second priority (%) Third priority (%)1 Irrigation 19.60 32.60 47.802 Technical know-how 49.20 36.70 14.103 Disease/insect 19.20 47.60 33.204 Marketing facilities 40.50 8.60 50.905 Transportation facility 46.60 15.00 38.30

Likewise, farmers of Sindhuli district also identified five major constraint related to citrus

production. Those problems were ranked as following. The most critical problem was of

transportation facility and road network followed by lack of technical know-how and

disease/insect.

Table 3.5.2 : Problems ranking of citrus grower of Sindhuli district

SN Problems First priority (%) Second priority (%) Third priority (%)1 Irrigation 62.30 22.20 15.502 Technical know-how 9.80 62.50 27.603 Disease/insect 3.40 26.20 70.004 Marketing facilities 25.50 39.60 34.905 Transportation facility 98.40 1.60 0.00

In sum up there were some similarities of problem associated with citrus cultivation in both

district however, intensity of problem are differ. Transportation facility and road network, lack

of technical know-how, severity of disease/insect and marketing facilities ranked top problem in

both of the district. The other problem cited by farmer of both district was irrigation facility in

the orchard.

3.5.2 Major specific constraints to fruit production

Various biotic, abiotic, socio-economic and technical problems hindering directly or indirectly

Junar production were reported by the farmers during the study. The information were collected

through checklist by focus group discussion during field visit of study team comprised of

45

horticulture development officer, plant protection officer and extension officer. The study

identified following constraints on hills farming systems in general and particularly on different

aspects of Junar orchards.

Pink disease, fruit dropping problem powdery mildew, root rot, shooty mould, citrus greening

like symptoms, citrus canker were the important diseases. Scale insects, leaf miner, shoot borer,

citrus bug, aphids, mealy bug, parasites like lichen were reported as serious problem. Similarly,

rat/rodents and birds problems were the other constraints mentioned. Hailstone damage to the

mandarin fruit particularly from the stage of flowering onward till harvesting was also reported

by the farmers in the visit. Weakness on the part of citrus growers in clearly identifying the

nutrient demands of Junar crop and in setting priority for manure application.

46

3.5.3 Gap identified and recommendations for citrus production in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

Table 3.5.3: Gap identified and recommendations for citrus production in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

Factors Gaps RecommendationsMotivation Passiveness and lack of

commercialization concept on the part of fruit growers on the area

None of the farmers prepares activity and business-plan. All system of cultivation and marketing have been running on speculation and situation. It is strongly recommended to short out small and large scale farmers and prepare strategy accordingly.

Soil fertility Decreasing soil fertility In a longer term, increasing dependence of livestock on crop residues need to be reduced through the increased supply of tree fodder and ground grasses. To achieve this, the following activities should beconducted. Identification of suitable leguminous, grasses and fodder species for planting in the citrus orchards in order to improve the availability of fodder, forage and to enhance soil conservation process. Management of community forest resources to meet the needs of local farmers and provision of collecting tree fodder, ground grasses, hays and leaf litters periodicallyIncrease plantation of fodder, fuel wood and timber species on marginal lands to improve the availability of fodder, fuel wood, leaf litters, timbers and also to enhance soil conservation process. Poor soil fertility has been identified as one of the major reasons responsible for fruit drop and saclikeof many of Junar orchards in the area, therefore study should be done to identify the possible remedy for fruit drop and citrus decline problems through fertility management.

Disease/insect Severity of disease and insect Citrus Greening Disease (CGD) is the major cause for devastating many established citrus orchards in the Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts. The strategy should be prepared to control the disease to address it. Provision of strict plant quarantine measures to monitor the flow of citrus planting material from outside the country and between the districts in order to control the diseases transmission through vegetative means.Use of quick and effective methods for indexing citrus Greening Disease (CGD) should be done. Provision of tissue culture facility to produce clean planting materials should be made.Junar cultivation and production are rapidly increasing in the surveyed areas and at the same time build up of insect pests and diseases and other nutritional deficiencies and disorders were also noticedwhich are perceived as yield limiting factors. Considering these issues activities should be focused on

47

Factors Gaps Recommendationsgenerating suitable technologies for managing insect pests, diseases and other disorders of citrus orchards.

Irrigation Lack of irrigation facilities Since Junar orchards in the area are mainly grown under rained condition and farmers reported that critical stages of Junar for irrigation are flowering and fruit setting which fall during dry period. Therefore identification of appropriate rain water harvesting technologies, moisture conservation techniques and use of some form of indigenous drip irrigation needs to be considered for utilizing scarce water resources for Junar orchards.

Research Lack of post harvest research It is apparent that almost 60% of the Junar orchards will come to full bearing in next five to six years and many more orchards are being established. Appropriate measures to deal with foreseeable marketing problems should be thought in time. Therefore, research on post harvest technologies including establishment of processing industries and cold storage are important.

Lack of synergetic efforts A task force at a national, regional and district level should be set involving concerned researchers, and extension expert for regular monitoring and prevent citrus decline.

Research on appropriate intercrops

Study on the effect of intercrops on Junar yield particularly shade loving crops such as ginger and turmeric.

HRD Lack of HRD on citriculture Development of manpower on citriculture both for research and extension activities, training for fieldstaffs and citrus growers on different aspects of citrus cultivation should be given due consideration

Specialization Higher study for citriculture and soil fertility management of citrus fruits should be considered under training award schemes.

Coordination Networking Networking with National Citrus Research Programme, Dhankuta in particular and with other regional, national and international organizations in general for exchange of information and material, staff training, to set up periodical priorities for research and development should be considered

Linkage between stakeholders Horizontal-vertical as well as backward-forward linkages between and among production, marketing and processing industry must be established and intensive training package for industry owners, farmers, traders and other stakeholder based on their requirements should be managed, and need of cooperative movement for further strengthening the diversified products through processing in sustainable way .

Monitoring Multidisciplinary approach of monitoring

Monitoring of the orchards by a multidisciplinary technical team, for regular and organized insect/pests and disease control campaign is therefore very crucial.

Processing Processing enterprise Feasible for establishing medium scale processing enterprise having capacity up to 1000 in appropriate location after detailed study and business plan

48

Factors Gaps Recommendations

Supportive activities to processing

Explore alternative measures such as establishment of medium scale citrus processing enterprise, development of collection center, linkage with big wholesaler, cellar storage based on the level of production and agro-ecological belts.

Commercialization

Awareness Aware to alter the farming practice as per the latest scientific technique and knowledge and make available of inputs like irrigation, fertilizer, credit, technology, and infrastructures.

Campaign based approach Campaigning based monitoring system and effective implementation of Pocket Package Strategy (PPS), intensive training packages on disease and pest control adopting IPM, harvesting techniques, reduction of post harvest losses, handling, techniques of transportation, loading, unloading and selling

Awareness Lower level of awareness Awareness/ campaign of nutritional value of citrus consumptionFinance In-efficient financing system Prepare strategy and compliance to financing agencies for compulsory financing to citrus HVC

identified by APPTechnical support

In adequate technical support services

Make sure practicable technical support from ASCs on comprehensive approach to the needy farmers as the placement of these centre were not distributed based on agro eco- zones (AEZ) which would have met farmers need and maximized utility of resources.

Input supply Availability of inputs Assured inputs supply for citrus Group approach Individual approach Strengthen the citrus grower on group approach basisInstitution Leadership development Backstop and strengthen the institution related Junar development organization

49

3.5.4 Gaps identified and recommendations for marketing of citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

Table 3.5.4: Gaps identified and recommendations for marketing of citrus in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

Particular Gaps identified Recommendations madePrice Inappropriate and fluctuating , compelled to sell at lower

prices Market price should be regulated and regularly published in daily newspapers/radios

Market information Inadequate and incomplete market information Correct and timely information is needed and should be disseminated By different media

Transportation facilities

Lack of roads and expensive transportation cost, difficult to get transport means

Develop road facilities, improve traffic rules for fresh products problem

Storage facilities Lacking Storage, cold storage, Storage and weighing arrangements should be provided. Packaging and grading

No knowledge of packaging, grading and quality maintenance and high wastage due to improper grading and packaging weighing , facilities

Training on post harvest handling, market management should be provided to the farmers and businessmen.

Processing Lack of processing facility Establish processing plant and create production and market diversification

Unorganized market Networking and coordination is lacking. Marketing centers should be developed in different places and market should be better organized.

Payment Irregular payment exploitation by middleman Regular and corporations marketing Traffic/police check Illegal charges imposed and creates problem Follow strictly rule and regulations Input supply Not available in time and quality Increase timely availability Others Strike, Nepal Bandh, Nakabandhi damage produce. Irregular

supply's due to road close and different types of strikesNeeds political stability

Import from India Import of citrus equivalent to Rs 241500000 per year while export assume equivalent to Rs 37298284 including India, Switzerland and Australia

Government should think and analyze it with farmers’ perspective and support to the Nepalese farmers.

Selling unit Wholesaler purchase fruit by piece system while they sell their fruits by weighting

Regularize the one way system of purchasing and selling of fruits

Source: Focus Group Discussion, 2006, FNCCI, 2061/62

50

3.5.5 Recommendation for further study

There is a dearth of consumer research information on the citrus consumer with no up-to-date

information available. Therefore, it needed to know certain consumer purchasing and attitudinal

information to help formulate the citrus enterprise development strategy and business plan with

following of the area:

1. Purchase incidence and behavior of purchase for fresh citrus and processed products

2. The awareness level of consumer regarding the quality of citrus

3. Distribution of product on supermarkets

4. Purchase preferences

5. Customer satisfaction

6. Brand loyalty and preference

7. Impact of fruit juice leveling

51

REFERENCES1. APP (2062). Feasibility of Mandarin and Sweet Orange Processing Industry in Nepal.

Agribusiness Promotion Program, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur.

2. APSD/GEED (2005). Selected indicators of Neplese Agriculture and Population. AgriBusiness Promotion and Statistics Division/Gender Equity and Environment Division,Shingha Durbar Kathmandu.

3. Aurora, (2002). Citrus Industry Development Strategy. Auraora Practical Solution PtLtd New South Wales, Austrelia.

4. Budathoki, K.; Pradhanang, P.M.; Subedi P.P. and Paudel, D.P. (1989). ProductionConstraints of Junar in Western Development Region. LAC working paper No . 89/6.

5. CBS, 2002. Statistical year book of Nepal. Central Bureau of Statistics, Kathmandu,Nepal.

6. Devkota, N.R.; Regmi, P.P.; Bhandari H.N.; Subedi, P.P.; Bastakoti R.C.; Paudel K.L.and Jaishi M. (2002). A Report on Production Problem Associated With MandarinOrange Orchard in the Mid hills of Nepal.

7. Directorate of Fruit Development (2061). Horticultural Development Program/AnnualProgress Report.

8. HMG/N.2000/2001. Annual Report. Citrus Development Division, Kirtipur,

Kathmandu, Nepal. 48 p.

9. ICIMOD, 2003 Cash crop farming in Nepal: The Importance of pollinaters diversityand managed polination in citrus. International Centre for Integrated MountainDevelopment, Jwalkhel, Kathmandu.

10. Joshi, K.D.; Vaidya, A.; Rasali, D.P. ; Suwal, M R S; Subedi, P.P.; Adhikari, B. andPhuyal U.(1995). Fertility System Analysis in Relation to Mandarin Orchard in theMiddle Hills of Western Nepal LARC working paper No. 95/9. Lumle AgricultureResearch Centre, kaski, Nepal.

11. NCDP (2005). Annual Report. National Citrus Development Programme, His Majesty'sGovernment of Nepal .

12. Rajput and sri Haribabu (1985), Citriculture . Kalyani Publications , New Delhi pp 367.

13. Ranjiit, M. and G.C. G.B. (1997). Citrus research and development action plan. Aconsultancy report submitted to ATSP Kathmandu, Nepal.

14. Subedi, P.; Ranjiit, M. and Paudel K.P. (2002). Citrus decline research in the hills ofNepal. HARP funded research proposal, TU/IAAS, Rampur, Nepal.

15. Subedi, P.P. and Bhattarai, S.P.(1993) . The effect of a law cost cellar structure uponthe storage of Junar oranges in the sub-tropics. LARC seminar paper No.93/10.

16. Subedi, P.P., Khanal N.P. and Jaishi M. 2000. Integrated Citrus Management. HillAgriculture Research Program, TU/HARP/IAAS, Rampur, Nepal.

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APPENDIX-1

Household Survey Questionnaire

Potentialities and opportunities of citrus production in Ramechhap and Sindhuli district

Name of household head:

Name of respondent: Age:

Address: District: V.D. C.: Ward no. :

1. Family description:

a. Family size:

b. Economically active work force:

c. House holds head occupation:

Agriculture Job Business

2. Land characteristics:

3. Objectives of orchard establishment

a. Home consumption b. Sale c. Both

3. Motivation agent for establishing citrus orchard

a. Technician b. Mass media

c. Neighbors d. Self

4. Gender involvement in nursery

a. femal b. malec. both

5. Gender involvement in management of the orchard

a. Female b. Male c. both

6. Gender involvement in harvesting and grading

a. Female b. Male c. both

53

Types of land Irrigated area Non irrigated area Total areaPakho / BariKhetTotal

7. Gender involvement in marketing

a. Female b. malec. both

8. Gender involvement in controlling the income getting from selling

a. Female b. Male c. both

9. Citrus fruits description

9.1 Sapling source

a. Government nursery c. Self-production

b. Private nursery d. Others

9.2 Plants descriptions

9.3 Types of citrus plants

a. Grafted b. Seedling c. Both

9.4 Area and plant number according to age.

9.5 Technology adoption by farmers

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Plant

Types

Plant number Total Prod./

tree

Extendable area (Ropani)Bearing Non bearing 2 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 yrs.

1 Junar2 Mandarin3 Lime4 Others

Total

SN Age of plant Area (Ropani) Number of plant Production / tree ( K.g. )1 < 2 years2 2- 5 years3 5-7 years4 7- 10 years

Total

9.6 Inter- cropping in orchard

a. Millet / Maize b. Creeping crop c. Others

10. Selling trend

11. Selling percent

a. Before ripening b. After ripening

12 Selling methods

a. Single tree b. Whole garden c. Fruit quality

13 Selling placeses.

a. Home b. Local hat c. District head quarter d. Out of district

14 Income per year from citrus.

a. Rs. .................per tree. b. Rs.....................per ropani.

15 Fruit use purpose

a. Table purpose .............. k.g.

b. Juice purpose ................... k.g.

55

S. N. Technology Complete

adoption

Partial adoption No adoption

1 Lay out, planting distance2 Fertilizer management3 Pit digging/ preparation4 Irrigation management5 Training, pruning6 Hoeing, weeding, mulching7 Disease and insect management8 Fruit harvesting9 Storage10 Transportation

Immature fruits Mature fruitsPrice/ fruit Price/tree Criteria of price

fixing

Price/ fruit Price/tree Criteria of price

fixing

16 How to storage the fruits.

a. open heap in orchard b. Cellar storage

c. sack d. Room

17 Do you grading the fruits.

a. Yes b. No

18 How to package for distance market.

a. doko b. bora c. paper carton d. plastic crarte

19. Marketing characteristics.

20 Grading methods.

a. Small and Large b. Large, Medium and Small

c. Bright - gloom c. Others

21 Means of transportation to distant market.

a. Porter b. Khachad c. Motor/vehicle

22 Proportion of loss during transportation.

23 Involvement of long distance marketing.

a. Broker b. Self

24 Do you processing the fruits in local level.

a. Yes b. No

25 Do you want to processing fruits in local level?

a. yes b. No

26 Which product do you like to process in local level?

a. Juice b. Squash c. Others

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27 Prioritization of problems related to citrus production

Thanks for your cooperation

Annex -2

Checklist for information collection through Focal Group Discussion

1. Farming system

2. Yield and market price

3. Market channel and constraints

4. Labor management

5. Food security situation

6. Division of labor

7. Cropping system

8. Use trend of FYM/Compost

9. Crop rotation

10. Layout

11. Planting methods and spacing

12. Planting season

57

SN Types of problems Prioritization of problemsFirst Second Third

1 Irrigation2 Technical knowledge3 Disease, pest4 Market5 Others

13. Type of sapling

14. Training pruning

15. Intercropping practices

16. Mulching practices

17. Irrigation methodology

18. Trend of production

19. Income from citrus

20. Productivity

21. Harvesting

22. Time of selling

23. Storage methodology

24. Price formulation

25. Fruit utilization

26. Marketing channel

27. Product market system

28. Major outlets

29. Packaging materials

30. Transportation

31. MIS in citrus

32. Problem and constraint

33. Gaps identification

34. Recommendations

58