Commercial Sweet Orange Cultivation Begins in Assam to Meet Growing Demand

The ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI), Nagpur, has initiated the commercial cultivation of six sweet orange varieties—Valencia, Westin, TM-33, Cutter Valencia, Pera, and Natal—at Biswanath Chariali in Assam. This aims to meet the rising demand for citrus fruits in the region, which currently relies on supplies from other parts of India.

Dr. Eveining Stone, Senior Scientist at the Regional Research Centre for Citrus, stated that these varieties, non-traditional to Assam, show great potential under local conditions. Early-maturing and late-maturing varieties will extend availability, benefiting both the fresh market and processing industries. This project aims to diversify Assam’s citrus industry and support regional agricultural growth.