KATHMANDU, JANUARY 31 Baglung district has produced oranges worth around Rs 270 million this year, marking an increase of Rs 4.4 million compared to last year. The rise in production has been attributed to increased farmer interest in orange cultivation, protection of saplings from pests, and timely rainfall, according to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Baglung. This year, the district produced 4,169 metric tons of oranges, sold at a minimum price of Rs 65 per kilogram. Knowledge Centre Chief Kumar Pun Magar said orange farming has expanded even to previously barren land and villages affected by outbound migration. The area under orange cultivation has increased from 585 hectares in 2019 to 664 hectares this year, with production currently spread across 381 hectares. Major orange-producing areas include Bihun of Kathekhola Rural Municipality, Sigana and Tityang of Baglung Municipality, and Bhakunde, Binamare and Damek of Jaimini Municipality. Farmer Pasupati Kandel of Kathekhola Rural Municipality–6 said he sold oranges worth Rs 800,000 this year, up from Rs 600,000 last year, citing higher production.