Author:
Ganga Pandey, Naran Prasad Devkota and Dinesh Bhatta

Doi: 10.26480/amdn.02.2025.36.41

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

The mid-hill regions of Gorkha in Nepal demonstrate fragmented practices, increased disease incidence, and insufficient technical support that challenge the sustainability and productivity of the mandarin-growing farmers. This study focuses on the characteristics of mandarin cultivation, farmer’s demographics, orchard practices, and disease control in Gorkha in terms of diversity, utilization, and management practices. A total of 60 mandarin-growing farmers from the Citrus Zone of PMAMP were selected via simple random sampling. The data was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, and were then analyzed using STATA with descriptive statistics and problem indexing. The findings indicate that 80% of farmers cultivate local mandarin varieties; mainly using the pit method (76.67%) on the north (78.33%) orientated orchards. Training and pruning (85.00%) and Bordeaux mixture application (76.67%) were routine; soil testing (55.00%) and hormone use were rare. High awareness exists for diseases like citrus canker (99.67%) and greening, but only 1.66 % identified viral diseases. Integrated disease management was adopted by 60%, while 6.67% practiced no control measures. Major constraints of Mandarin in Gorkha included insect pests and diseases, irrigation problems, and inadequate technical expertise. It highlights the need for improved disease diagnostics and better availability of soil testing and cultivation practices. A holistic approach of technical interventions, focused learning, and policy support could result in the overall optimization of the productivity and sustainability of the hill mandarin in Nepal.