Nagpur Mandarin Orange Cultivation of Maharashtra

Nagpur mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) — popularly known as Nagpur santra — is a GI-certified fruit crop from the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, particularly Nagpur, Wardha, and Amravati districts. Nagpur mandarin is distinguished by its loose skin, sweet-tart flavour, and high juice content. The winter harvest season (November to February) produces the largest volume of mandarins. The crop is primarily grown by small and medium farmers on black soil using drip irrigation. Nagpur orange received GI certification in 2014. The crop is sold fresh in domestic markets and processed into juice and essential oil for export. The Nagpur Santra Mandarin Cooperative assists growers with grading, packaging, and cold chain logistics. The orange peel is used for essential oil extraction and marmalade production. Nagpur santra is exported to the UAE, UK, and other markets during peak season. Agricultural universities in Nagpur provide variety improvement and post-harvest training to cooperative member farmers.