Authors : Dr. Rimjim Borah

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/sw2a65nh

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2jcrjb83

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May2118

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : North-East India, comprising eight states i.e. Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim possess extraordinary agro-climatic diversity that renders it one of the most promising horticultural zones in the country. Among the numerous horticultural crops cultivated in the region, mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata), specially the indigenous Khasi Mandarin variety, holds significant economic importance. The orange cultivation of North-East India is both an agricultural reality and an underexploited development opportunity. Despite possessing natural advantages including fertile hill soils, abundant rainfall, and a rich biodiversity, the orange sub-sector in the region continues to be plagued by low productivity, inadequate post-harvest infrastructure, poor market linkages, rampant disease incidence, and limited institutional support. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the structural problems confronting the orange cultivation of North-East India and identifies the multifaceted prospects that, if systematically harnessed, can transform orange cultivation into a high-value engine of rural economic growth. The paper draws on secondary data from the National Horticulture Board, published academic studies, government reports, and regional agribusiness assessments. The study concludes with policy recommendations that address the constraints while leveraging the region’s inherent strengths.

Keywords : Orange Cultivation, Khasi Mandarin, Horticulture.

References :

1. Baruah, P. B. (2020). Problems and Prospects of Orange Cultivation: A Study in Ngunraw Village of Meghalaya. BizExplorer: Journal of the School of Business Sciences, USTM, Pp- 88-97.
2. Chase, D. (2022) A Brief Study on Orange Cultivation in Rusoma Village, Project Report submitted to the Department of Commerce Kohima College, Kohima, Nagaland.
3. Digarse, U., Bisht, K.,Raut, A., Rathi, D. & Singh, U. (2025) . Challenge Faced by Horticulturists in Orange Cultivation with Special Reference to Madhya Pradesh, India, Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology, Vol. 43(2):9-13
4. De. L. (2017). Horticulture Scenario in NE Region of India. International Journal of Agricultural Science Research (IJASR), Vol. 7(2). Pp.244-254.
5. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Horticulture Mission
6. Gupta, M. D. (2021). Growth Trend and Potential of Horticulture in Northeast India. Journal of Horticultural Sciences, Vol. 17 (2)
7. Mahanta, D. K. & Konwar. A. (2014). Production and Marketing of Orange in Assam –A Study on Doomdooma Region of Tinsukia District. Journal of Agriculture and Life Sciences,  Vol. 1 (1).PP. 82-90
8. Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA). Sub-Sector Study of Orange in Meghalaya. mbda.gov.in
9. National Horticulture Board (NHB), Government of India. Orange Crop Profile. nhb.gov.in
10. Sarmah, D. and Deka, P.K. (2012). Horticulture in North-East India: Strengths and Prospects. The Asian Journal of Horticulture, 7(1), Pp. 221-228.
11. Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC). Value Chain Analysis of North-Eastern States. sfacindia.com
12. Sashimatsung (2015). Production and Marketing System of Orange in Wokha District of Nagaland: An Empirical Analysis. International Journal of Development Research (IJDR), Vol. 5(3), Pp. 3693-3697.