For the first time, Kalimpong will host the annual Orange Festival on December 14-15, marking a shift from its traditional venue in the Darjeeling district. Organized by the state horticulture department, the festival aims to promote the region’s prized hill oranges, support local growers, and boost tourism in the hills.
The two-day festival, led by the Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants Directorate in collaboration with the district administration, will feature exhibitions of locally grown oranges, food products, and guided tours of orange plantations. This unique experience highlights the Darjeeling hills’ agricultural heritage, as citrus farming remains rare across most parts of India.
Dr. Samuel Rai, Director of the Cinchona Directorate, confirmed the venue change following a visit by State Horticulture Minister Arup Roy to Mungpoo, a village known for its orange plantations. Minister Roy emphasized the festival’s dual focus: celebrating the fruit and addressing the challenges faced by local cultivators.
“The event will educate farmers on advanced cultivation techniques to improve production in terms of quality and quantity,” said Dr. Rai. “It will also help us understand growers’ challenges, from pest attacks to disease outbreaks, which have led to declining yields over the years.”
Currently, around 1,200 acres in the Darjeeling hills are dedicated to orange cultivation. However, production has steadily declined due to viral and bacterial infections, with the region harvesting only 39 metric tonnes last year compared to 52 metric tonnes in earlier years.
Minister Roy stressed the importance of revitalizing orange cultivation, drawing comparisons to the popularity of Darjeeling tea. “Darjeeling oranges are sweeter and juicier than many other varieties, and we aim to restore their prominence through better farming practices and expert consultations,” he stated.
The Orange Festival not only celebrates the hill fruit but also serves as a platform to support local horticulture, attract investments, and revitalize the region’s agricultural economy.
