Myagdi, Dec 31: Tillakumari Humen of Beni Municipality-4, Baskuna, turned her fortunes around by venturing into orange farming after facing challenges with barren land for rice production. About 25 years ago, she sold three tolas of gold jewelry to establish an orange orchard. Facing a lack of manpower, Humen mobilizes daily wage workers to maintain the orange farm, which has become the main source of income for her family.

Humen’s family, consisting of herself and her two sons, now manages over 400 orange plants. The decision to switch to orange farming proved beneficial, and the family’s living standards improved significantly. The annual income from selling oranges ranges between Rs 8 to 10 lakhs. Initially, oranges were transported to markets in Pokhara and Kathmandu, but now, businesses purchase them directly from the orchards.

The construction of the Balamkhola irrigation project two years ago has further boosted orange cultivation in the region. With a supportive market and advance payments from businessmen, farmers in Baskuna have found stability and increased income. The ward representatives and farmers’ groups have worked together to set uniform prices, ensuring fair compensation for the produce.

While this year’s orange production decreased, the quality remained high, leading to higher prices for farmers. Despite the challenges, Baskuna, Surkemela, and Thamdanda exported oranges worth Rs 1 crore last year, benefiting 40 households. The income from orange farming has brought positive changes to the community, elevating the locals’ standard of living.