Nagpur’s nickname “Orange City”

The story of Nagpur’s nickname, “The Orange City”, is linked by the sweet aroma of citrus trees, the hardworking hands of farmers, and a touch of historical foresight, where we will briefly know its status from its history to the present.

A Land Ripe for Opportunity:

Located in the heart of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, the climate of Nagpur is perfect for the cultivation of citrus fruits. With fertile black soil, plenty of sunshine, and moderate temperatures, the stage is set for a fruitful story through the JSW Foundation Fellowship where we will understand Nagpur’s “Orange City”.

The Bhonsle dynasty sowed the seeds:

In the 18th century the Bhonsale rulers, known for their agricultural skills, recognized the potential of Nagpur’s land. They actively encouraged the cultivation of oranges, providing land, irrigation facilities, and technical expertise to farmers. This encouragement led to the expansion of orange orchards and laid the foundation of Nagpur’s citrus empire. Orange plantations are widespread in the talukas of Nagpur like Kalmeshwar, Katol, Narkhed, and Saoner. 

Amongst all, Nagpur mandarin (Nagpuri santra) is considered one of the finest mandarins in the world, with a unique acid–sugar

blend that imparts a sweet–sour flavor; it also has an unmatched aroma. The Amravati and Nagpur districts of Maharashtra contribute about 80% of the total area under Mandarin (santra/narangi) orchards in the state, sharing 48.88% and 31.45% respectively. Concerning the production of Mandarin, Amravati district occupies 37.36% while Nagpur occupies 23.87% share in the Vidarbha citrus market3. Further, Vidarbha is India’s only citrus-growing region with two fruiting seasons (Ambia and Mrig). The fruit available from September to December is Ambia, which has a slightly sour taste. This is followed by the sweeter Mrig crop in February. Hence Nagpur mandarin enjoys favourable climatic conditions to provide bulk production twice a year. Nagpur Mandarin received the Geographical Indicators (GI) tag 385 in 2014 under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

By the end of the 19th century, Nagpur had established itself as a major producer of oranges not only within Maharashtra but throughout India. Nagpur oranges, famous for their juicy sweetness and thin peel, gained fame at the national level. Its cultivation increased rapidly, so the landscape turned into a sea of orange trees. In the present situation, due to climate change, there is still a shortage but somewhere it has got recognition not only in Nagpur but every corner of Nagpur. The area has become famous.

• Kalmeshwar: While its total area under orange cultivation might be slightly lower than the others, Kalmeshwar focuses on high-quality production and boasts several successful orange growers.
• Katol: Often cited as the leading producer, Katol boasts extensive orange orchards and hosts the annual Orange Festival. Its fertile black soil and suitable climate contribute significantly to its citrus success.
• Narkhed: This taluka is known for its high-quality “Mrig” variety of oranges, harvested in February-March. With significant orange cultivation and supportive government initiatives, Narkhed ranks high in production.
• Saoner: With a long history of orange cultivation and favorable agricultural conditions, Saoner contributes significantly to the region’s citrus yield.

Factors to Consider:

Determining the “most” depends on how you define it. Consider these factors:

• Total area under orange cultivation: Katol often leads here, but figures can fluctuate.
• Production volume: Statistics might change year-on-year due to various factors.
• Quality of oranges: Narkhed’s “Mrig” variety enjoys a premium reputation.
• Contribution to Nagpur’s overall orange production: All the mentioned talukas play significant roles.

Remember:

• The orange cultivation landscape is dynamic, so rankings can change.
• Each taluka offers unique strengths and contributes to Nagpur’s “Orange City” identity.

This information helps you understand the multifaceted nature of orange cultivation in Nagpur and the various factors that contribute to its success!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_City: This information is taken from Wikipedia of Orange City.

Marketing Magic: “Nagpur Orange” Brand:

The early 20th century saw the creation of the “Nagpur Orange” brand, cementing the city’s association with the fruit. Marketing campaigns and initiatives further strengthened Nagpur’s reputation as the “Orange City” in the national consciousness.

Beyond Commerce: A Cultural Icon:

The sweet and tangy presence of oranges permeated various aspects of Nagpur’s life. Traditional recipes incorporated citrus flavors, and vibrant orange hues adorned decorations, and the annual Orange Festival became a celebrated event. Oranges became synonymous with Nagpur’s identity, a source of local pride and economic prosperity.

The Legacy Lives On:

While the number of orange orchards might have shrunk, the “Orange City” title remains deeply embedded in Nagpur’s identity. It serves as a reminder of its historical prowess, agricultural heritage, and continued efforts to adapt and thrive. The orange cultivation landscape has faced challenges in recent years, with factors like climate change and competition impacting production. However, Nagpur’s spirit of innovation has led to the adoption of new farming techniques and diversification into other citrus fruits.

The story of Nagpur’s orange heritage is beyond words. This story is about human ingenuity, cooperation with nature, and the sweet smell of success. As you wander through the bustling markets of Nagpur, taste juicy oranges, or witness the vibrant Orange Festival, remember the story behind the city’s nickname – its past, present, and proof of its promising future.