P.P. Shrestha1 and S.K. Verma2
Abstract
Citrus is the main fruit crop of Nepal covering about 25% in total area under fruit cultivation. Many citrus species and varieties are cultivated in the country. Suntala (mandarin) is indigenous fruit of Nepal. The fruit quality of local mandarin and junar is excellent and has good markets even in the neighbouring countries. From climatic as well as export point of view, there is good prospect of citrus development in Nepal. At present, the area under citrus cultivation is 15,940 ha. And the production is estimated to be 936,046 MT. And there is increasing trend in area coverage and fruit production. Though since last 25 years the development in area coverage is encouraging but the yield per hectare is low in comparison with other citrus producing countries. An increase in citrus fruit production is essential to meet the increasing demand for domestic consumption and for exports as well. To increase the production and productivity of citrus fruits emphasis should be given to some important measures like development of nursery and commercial orchards, introduction and selection of cultivars, research, training and transfer of technology, development of post-harvest technology and marketing infrastructures.