Orange Orchards of Jhalawar: Rajasthan's Fruit Bowl

Jhalawar district in southeastern Rajasthan is famous as the state's primary orange (Citrus sinensis) growing region, earning the nickname Rajasthan's fruit bowl. The medium-altitude black cotton soils and relatively higher rainfall of Jhalawar create conditions suitable for citrus cultivation unusual in arid Rajasthan. The Nagpur-origin Mandarin variety (kinnow) predominates, with orchards producing 50-150 kg of fruit per tree annually. Jhalawar's orange season runs from November to February, when markets across Rajasthan are filled with this sweet, easy-peel variety. The district has over 10,000 hectares under orange cultivation. Jhalawar Agricultural Produce Market Committee manages the primary auction yards. Small cold storage units help farmers store produce 2-3 weeks beyond harvest. Traditional practices include mulching with dry leaves and using cow manure as the primary fertiliser; organic certification is being pursued by progressive orchard owners.