Nelliyampathy Orange Cultivation

Nelliyampathy Orange Cultivation
The Government Orange and Vegetable Farm at Nelliyampathy was established by the British in the early 1940s and once enjoyed international recognition for its high-quality oranges and vegetable produce.
During World War II, oranges and vegetables cultivated in the plantation were exported extensively. The Nelliyampathy oranges became especially famous for their:
Thick skin,
Distinct fragrance,
Exceptional sweetness,
Long shelf life.
The plantation later suffered a severe setback due to citrus decline disease, which destroyed a large part of orange cultivation in the region.
Since 2018–19, revival efforts have been undertaken through the replanting of orange saplings, expansion of cultivation areas, adoption of scientific farming practices, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and soil fertility management.
Nearly 8,000 orange plants are currently maintained at the farm, which spreads across more than 200 acres.
Important orange varieties cultivated include Coorg mandarin, Nagpur mandarin, and sweet orange varieties.
Saplings have been sourced from institutions such as the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research Experimental Station, Chettalli, and ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute.
Orange Cultivation in India
Major Orange-Producing States : Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
India cultivates several citrus varieties including Mandarin orange, Sweet orange, Malta lemon, Pomelo, and Seedless lemon.
Government Support for Orange Cultivation
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented since 2014-15 for the holistic development of the horticulture sector.
It covers Fruits, Vegetables, Spices, Flowers, Aromatic plants, Coconut, Cashew, and Cocoa.
All States and Union Territories are covered under the scheme.
Key Support Provided Under MIDH : Quality Planting Material, Area Expansion and Orchard Rejuvenation, Integrated Pest and Nutrient Management, Water and Protected Cultivation Support, and Capacity Building.