Mukunda Bhusal1*, Dipak Bhattarai2, Madhav Lamsal3, Sandesh Dhital4and Ajaya Adhikari5
1Centre for Crop Development and Agro-biodiversity Conservation, Lalitpur, Nepal
2Prime-minister Agriculture Modernization Project, Palpa, Nepal
3Prime-minister Agriculture Modernization Project, Syangja, Nepal
4Agricultural Knowledge Centre, Rupandehi, Nepal
5Prime-minister Agriculture Modernization Project, Lamjung, Nepal
* Corresponding Author’s Email: omukunda@gmail.com
* Orcid ID: 0000-0002-3443-4216
Received on: 8 July, 2023 Revised on: 22 November, 2023 Accepted on: 25 November, 2023
Abstract
Sweet orange is one of the major citrus fruits of Nepal which is widely cultivated in mid-hills. This paper
assesses the value chain of sweet oranges cultivated in the Ramechhap district of Nepal, considering its economic
significance for farmers. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, utilizing key informant interviews and
focus group discussions with various stakeholders. Participants were selected based on a list of producers collected
from the Prime-Minister Agricultural Modernization Project (PMAMP) Ramechhap district, and the snowball
method was employed to identify other actors. This study revealed that the value chain of sweet oranges in the
Ramechhap district involves growers, vendors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers as the main actors, while
federal, provincial, and local agricultural service centres serve as enablers. Additionally, findings show vendors
play a dominant role, in determining the per unit price and pressuring farmers to sell immediately after harvest due
to limited storage capacity. Vendors are enjoying increased profit margins because they have greater bargaining
power over farmers, who have inadequate storage facilities. The study suggests areas for improvement: using
quality seedlings, managing nutrients effectively, and employing proper storage techniques like cold stores to
prolong shelf-life and enhance quality, taste, and colour. Enhancing productivity via trifoliate rootstock, optimizing
fruit quality, and extending shelf-life through improved storage facilities can substantially boost revenue for
producers. Understanding the entire value chain provides insights into enhancing the overall performance of value
chain actors. Further studies can explore additional dimensions of the chain in more depth.