Oranges are one of the widely consumed fruits in India. India is the ninth largest producer of orange in India; it contributes to nearly 3 per cent of total orange output globally. Oranges, one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world, are not only appreciated for their refreshing taste but also for their nutritional benefits. India is a significant player in the global orange market, producing a variety of oranges across different states. The country’s diverse climate and fertile soil make it ideal for orange cultivation, and several states stand out as major producers. Let us look at the top five highest orange-producing states in India.
1. Maharashtra
Maharashtra has long been the leading producer of oranges in India, and it will continue to hold this position in 2025. The state’s Nagpur region is world-renowned for its high-quality oranges, often referred to as Nagpur Oranges. This variety is known for its distinct sweetness and juiciness, and it contributes significantly to both domestic consumption and exports. In addition to Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati and Akola are key orange-producing regions of the state. Maharashtra’s favourable climate, particularly in the Vidarbha region, plays a crucial role in sustaining large-scale orange cultivation in the state. Overall, the state annually produces 692,000 tons of oranges in India.
2. Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh ranks second in most orange production, especially with its increasing focus on expanding the area under cultivation. The Chhindwara region in the state is particularly famous for producing high-quality oranges. The state government has been actively promoting orange farming through various schemes and providing farmers with access to better infrastructure, irrigation, and high-quality seeds. Madhya Pradesh has shown tremendous growth in orange production over the last few years and is expected to maintain this trend in 2025. The key Orange-Growing Regions of the state are Chhindwara, Betul, Khandwa and Sehore.
3. Assam
Assam, with its tropical and subtropical climate, is one of the largest producers of oranges in northeastern India. The state’s Tinsukia district is well known for producing a unique variety of oranges, often referred to as Assam Oranges. These oranges are smaller in size but pack a tangy, flavorful punch, making them highly sought after in local and national markets. The key Orange-Growing Regions of the state are Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur and Sonitpur. In recent years, Assam has worked on improving farming techniques and expanding the cultivation area, positioning itself as one of the top orange-producing states in 2025.
4. Rajasthan
Rajasthan is known for its arid climate and might seem an unlikely contender in orange production, but the Jhalawar district has made the state one of the top orange producers in India. Baran, Kota and Bundi regions of the state are key players in orange production. The oranges grown here are known for their vibrant colour and tangy flavour. With the state investing heavily in agricultural innovation, Rajasthan has expanded its orange cultivation in areas where irrigation facilities are improving. This growth is driven by advancements in drip irrigation and water conservation techniques, which are vital in the dry regions of the state.
5. Meghalaya
The last state on our list of highest orange producers in India is Meghalaya. Meghalaya is well-known for its cold climate and hilly region. It produces nearly 37 thousand tons of oranges annually. Meghalaya plays a significant role in India’s orange production through the cultivation of Khasi mandarin, a popular citrus fruit in the region. Mandarin oranges are produced in the southern and northern slopes of the state. But the oranges produced in the southern slopes are sweeter and higher in demand than the ones produced on the northern slopes of the state.
Conclusion
India’s orange production is marked by diversity, both in terms of geography and the varieties of oranges produced. The top five states of India namely, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Assam contribute significantly to the country’s overall orange output. These states are leveraging modern agricultural techniques, better irrigation facilities, and government support to sustain and expand their orange production in 2025. As consumer demand for oranges continues to grow, these states are well-positioned to meet both domestic and global needs, ensuring India’s prominence in the citrus fruit market.
Parkash Singh is a PGT Teacher in Kendriya Vidyalaya Rohini, New Delhi. Parkash completed his starting education from Bihar Board and graduated from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University. He regularly writes educational and informative articles at IndiasStuffs.com
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