Collapse of orange production

Indian media reveals that district growers and traders of oranges in Siliguri, the largest wholesale market in the northern state of West Bengal, are suffering huge losses due to lack of production

 

The harvest of 'Darjeeling' oranges takes place in the months of November and December and reached large quantities. But in recent years, the volume of orange production in Darjeeling, Kerseong and Kalimpong has plunged. By some estimates the volume has now fallen to 30% and traders in Siliguri say that unlike previous years when around 30-40 trucks brought the oranges to market, this year the number is down to a few small trucks.

 

Indian professionals explain this drop in production by a combination of different factors: climate change, pest attacks, the non-availability of organic fertilizers and poor agricultural practices. As well as the lack of support from the government whose intervention would be necessary to limit the crisis.