Bishnu Rana

TEZU, Feb 13: While the orange season across the rest of the state is coming to a close, the "off season" Anjaw orange is becoming a hot commodity and ruling the markets of Lohit and Namsai.
The off-season Anjaw orange are harvested in February whereas the foothills oranges are reaped and marketed during December-January. Smaller in size due to high altitude, low temperature and late harvest compared to the varieties grown in other parts of the state, the Anjaw orange which has seen a bumper harvest in Hayuliang is said to taste better.
“We need inclusive research and surveys to give Anjaw orange a brand value which is of export quality. It is sweeter than Lohit and other foothills oranges because Total Soluble Solid (TSS) is more in comparison to other varieties. Its peel is harder, thick and durable than those grown in plains. The government should work out a plan to give better exposure to the Anjaw variety,” Horticulture Development Officer, Lohit, S Rehman opined. 
A Mishmi mother-daughter duo selling oranges at the Digaru check gate tri-junction, revealed that the off-season oranges from Anjaw are selling like hot cakes. “We sell it from our own vehicle in Tezu and adjoining markets after harvest from Hayuliang as there is lack of market there. A poly bag containing 30 oranges fetches Rs 100 and we usually earn Rs 30,000 at a time,” they said.
Though small in size, Anjaw oranges have a better taste than other oranges. It needs better marketing and exposure,” a tourist from Assam’s Biswanath Chariali said.
It is gradually being felt that Anjaw orange urgently requires an organic registration for tapping the export market that in turn will ensure better financial benefits for the farmers. 
Right from Tezu market up to Dirak check gate in Namsai district, predominance of Anjaw orange will continue till March.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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