Kalimpong’s Orange Revival: Festival Promotes Global Recognition and Growth

KalimNews, Kalimpong, December 14, 2024:  The vibrant ‘Orange Festival’ returned to Kalimpong this Saturday, kicking off its two-day celebration with a mission to revive mandarin orange production in the hill region. Now in its third year, the festival emphasizes restoring the declining orange farming industry while motivating farmers to cultivate more orange trees.

For the past three years, the West Bengal Government has partnered with the Directorate of Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), and the District Magistrate’s office in Kalimpong to rejuvenate orange farming. These collective efforts aim to reverse a staggering 90 percent drop in production witnessed over recent years.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by distinguished officials, including West Bengal’s Food Processing Industries and Horticulture Minister Arup Roy, State FPI Secretary Smarika Mahapatra, Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubramanian T, Director of Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants Dr. Samuel Rai, Kalimpong MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha, Executive Sabhasads Ratan Kumar Thapa and Senora Namchu, Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Mamata Gurung, and Kalimpong Municipality Chairman Ravi Pradhan. Farmers greeted the dignitaries warmly and expressed their appreciation for the renewed focus on orange farming.

Highlighting the global acclaim once enjoyed by Kalimpong’s mandarin oranges, Minister Arup Roy shared insights into the government’s strategic initiatives. “These oranges, known for their unparalleled sweetness and flavor, had achieved global renown. However, last year, GTA Chief Executive Anit Thapa pointed out a sharp decline in production to just 10 percent,” Roy remarked.

This prompted discussions with Additional Chief Secretary Subroto Gupta, who organized a seminar in Kalimpong to seek scientific solutions. “We implemented the recommendations made during the seminar, and the progress has been very encouraging. During my field visits, I observed a noticeable increase in production this year, and we anticipate further growth in the years ahead,” he added.

Addressing challenges such as plant diseases and viruses that have plagued the orchards, Roy emphasized that the government is providing modern training and resources to farmers. “Our ultimate objective is to restore Kalimpong’s oranges to their former global glory while ensuring sustainable incomes for farmers,” he stated. Efforts to provide certified seeds and advanced disease-control measures by scientists have already yielded positive results.

The festival showcases an array of attractions, including cultural performances, exhibitions, and a vibrant orange-themed marketplace. Stalls featuring oranges from various divisions of the Cinchona Plantation and surrounding areas further enriched the festivities. Visitors and residents alike relished the lively celebration of Kalimpong’s cultural heritage and iconic citrus produce.

Organized by the Directorate of Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants and supported by the district administration, the festival will conclude on Sunday evening, leaving an indelibl e mark on efforts to revive the region’s treasured mandarin oranges.