Parbat: Banskharka, located in Jaljala Rural Municipality of Parbat, renowned for its delicious and high-quality oranges, will host a one-day Orange Festival. The festival aims to promote the area’s oranges and increase market demand.
Chairperson of the Rural Municipality, Raju Prasad Acharya, stated that farmers in Banskharka have been engaged in commercial orange farming for many years. He mentioned that Banskharka’s oranges are considered the best in the Gandaki Province due to their taste and quality. Farmers in the area have strengthened their economic standing through orange farming.
The festival also seeks to address transportation issues that have hindered farmers from fully expanding orange cultivation. It encourages more people to visit the orchards and experience the taste of Banskharka’s oranges directly.
“We plan to hold the festival on either the 26th or 27th of Poush (Nepali month). While the locals are enthusiastic about growing oranges wherever possible, poor road infrastructure prevents efficient transportation and export,” Acharya explained. “By inviting media from across Gandaki Province, we hope to showcase the roads, orchards, and the true story of Banskharka’s oranges.”
Acharya added that branding and exporting Banskharka’s oranges to external markets would benefit the community. He emphasized that the festival is crucial for promotion and creating a plan for branding and export.
Mek Bahadur Khatri, a local farmer and principal of Jyotimandal Secondary School, highlighted that farmers have faced challenges due to inadequate roads despite the potential to produce more oranges. He mentioned that this year’s harvest is significantly higher than the previous year, with nearly 200 households involved in orange farming. Khatri expressed frustration over the lack of government attention to improving transportation routes, which affects the quality of oranges during transit.
Vice Chairperson Deepak Acharya noted that Banskharka’s oranges fetch good prices due to their unique quality and longer shelf life. However, poor road conditions limit full-scale production. “Farmers here can grow oranges worth 20 to 25 lakhs, but vehicles can’t easily access the area. When they do, the transportation process damages the oranges, increasing costs,” Acharya stated.
He emphasized the need for infrastructure development and collective efforts to address these challenges. Acharya believes the festival will help highlight the region’s potential, including international export opportunities for Banskharka’s high-quality oranges.
During the festival, visitors can buy oranges directly from orchards, enjoy scenic views, and participate in orange-themed sports events. Jaljala Rural Municipality, along with its ward offices, has formed a main committee and sub-committees to ensure the festival’s success.
