Darjeeling orange growers are celebrating the recent recognition of the Darjeeling Mandarin with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, but they underline the pressing need for government support to revitalize the struggling fruit industry. The Darjeeling Mandarin has become the 11th agricultural product in West Bengal to achieve this designation, raising hopes among local stakeholders for the revival of plantations that have suffered from various diseases.
Chaman Singh Pradhan, an orange grower from Labdah in Mungpoo, remarked, “The GI tag has increased the value of our fruit. However, we need more support from the government to address the dire state of orange cultivation here. The industry is currently plagued by disease, leading to decreased production compared to previous years.” Diverse diseases affecting orange trees result in reduced yields and smaller fruit across many orchards, prompting some growers to switch to alternative crops in recent years.
Pradhan noted that the production this season has shown improvement over last year, and he and his fellow growers are hopeful that the GI tag will enhance their earnings. Another grower, Satyam Tamang from Mungpoo, expressed confidence, saying, “Just as Darjeeling tea gardens benefited from the GI tag, I believe the same will happen for our oranges. This certification will position our product as unique, likely leading to price increases. However, awareness about the GI tag’s benefits is lacking among farmers, and workshops are essential to encourage cultivation.”
Orange sellers are also optimistic about the impact of the GI tag. Manu Rai, an orange vendor with 18 years of experience, stated, “The GI tag for Darjeeling oranges should not only benefit farmers but also positively affect us as sellers.” Sidarth Pradhan, another trader with 15 years in the market, added, “While this initiative will primarily advantage orange growers, it will also help us. This year’s production has improved compared to last.”
Historically, the Mandarin Orange grown in the Darjeeling Hills was a significant cash crop. However, over the years, production has dwindled due to issues like diseases, pests, nutrient deficiencies, and challenging soil conditions. Farmers now hold onto the hope that acquiring the GI tag will breathe new life into this iconic fruit, restoring its former glory and economic importance to the region.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/darjeeling-mandarins-get-gi-tag-growers-hope-for-revival-of-ailing-orange-industry
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