The third edition of the annual Orange Festival is set to take place in Kalimpong, West Bengal, on December 14-15, 2024. This year, the festival shifts its venue from Darjeeling to Kalimpong, promising a fresh perspective on the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Celebrating the Unique Hill Orange
The Orange Festival is a celebration of the unique and delicious hill orange varieties grown in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills. Renowned for their sweetness, juiciness, and superior quality, these oranges have made a name for themselves both domestically and internationally. However, in recent years, orange production in the hills has faced challenges due to pest attacks and diseases.
Promoting Sustainable Orange Cultivation
The festival aims to address these challenges by educating and motivating farmers to adopt sustainable cultivation practices. The horticulture department is actively working to introduce innovative grafting methods that can significantly boost yields and reduce cultivation time. By providing a platform for knowledge sharing and technological advancements, the festival empowers farmers to overcome hurdles and ensure the future of orange cultivation in the region.
A Celebration of Local Produce and Agri-Tourism
Beyond oranges, the Orange Festival showcases a diverse range of locally produced food items, offering visitors a delightful culinary experience. From aromatic teas to delectable jams and preserves, the festival highlights the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
To further promote agri-tourism, the festival organizes tours of orange plantations, providing visitors with a firsthand look at the cultivation process. This unique opportunity allows tourists to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills, while gaining insights into the agricultural practices that shape the region.
