Orange is survived by Orange Queen
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Tamenglong, November 29 2012: Orange production and Tamenglong district may be synonymous at one time, but today it is all about Orange Queen and prize tag, and not actual Orange fruits.

Many villages which were once known for cultivation of the juicy citrus fruit today stand forlorn without Orange farms.

Longjang (Thangal), Soubunglong, Pungsanmai, Thingou, Thanlon, Taloulong, Taosang, Longrang, Chakanlong, Longmai, Alingh, Ngacheng, Haochong, Khumji, Longchum, Rangkhong, Taobam, Ganglong, Ganglonthan(Namkaolong), Mukti, Zeiphun, Longba, Rongdai, Thingou, Gokoklong, Bonrong, Longkao, Puilon,Chingkao, Goinanglong, Renglong, Duilon, Phailong, Dailong, Changdai, Sangrung, Tousem, Mandeu, Aben, Natiram, Magulong, Kunphung, Riteng and others have all lost Orange trees.

Only nursery plants could be seen here and there in negligible number.

Orange trees in Longjang (Thangal) village, which used to produce more than 50 tons of Oranges every year, are dying with leaves, branches and base roots drying up.

Khoithao Pamei, who won the award of Best Orange Grower in 2002, has replaced his Orange farm with Banana plantation.

Experts of Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) opined that changes in the climatic condition leading to dry beds may be mainly responsible for drying up of Orange trees.

With Orange cultivation affected, the villagers of Longjang (Thangal) and other affected villages are experiencing economic downfall.

Interestingly, few Oranges which could be collected with much difficulty and imported Oranges are being exhibited in Orange festival and in the name of encouraging Orange growers, they are given meager amount as prize money while a major chunk of the budget goes into organizing Orange Queen contest.

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