Economics Of Production And Marketing Of Mandarin In Sahidbhumi Rural Municipality

This research explores the production and marketing of mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco) in Sahidbhumi Rural Muincipality, Dhankuta, Nepal, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by local farmers. Dhankuta district is suitable for mandarin production, though farmers struggle with outdated farming methods, limited access to better seeds and irrigation, pest problems, and difficulty reaching markets. Mandarin orange cultivation holds substantial importance for the agricultural economy of Dhankuta district, contributing significantly to the income of rural households and local markets. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the status, challenges, and potential of mandarin production and marketing in Dhankuta, including farmer practices, post-harvest handling, supply chains, market potential, stakeholder roles, and socio-economic impacts. For this study, we collected household level information from randomly selected 93 mandarin growers and market related information from purposively selected six traders. The results showed that the average cultivated area is 0.212 ha, the total production per year is 1.99 tonnes and hence the productivity is 10.15 t/ha. The benefit-cost ratio of 5.42 with the total production cost of Rs. 24,670.49 and total revenue of Rs.133,904.18 indicates that mandarin farming can be highly profitable. However, farmers face significant challenges, including fluctuating prices, reliance on middlemen, and inadequate storage facilities. A SWOT analysis highlights strengths like favourable growing conditions and high demand, but also weakness in infrastructure and climate change threats. These findings can guide policymakers, experts, and farmers in strengthening Nepal’s mandarin industry and agricultural growth.