Bal Kumari Thapa and the Citrus Crisis in Sindhuli, Nepal

The sweet orange industry in Sindhuli, Nepal, is facing a severe crisis due to rising temperatures and citrus greening disease. This disease has affected over 80% of the district's sweet orange trees, leaving farmers like Bal Kumari Thapa in distress. Once thriving with 2,500 trees, Thapa's orchard was destroyed by the disease, forcing her to burn it down.

The sweet orange industry is vital to Nepal's economy, with Sindhuli producing over 9,000 metric tons annually. However, climate change has made cultivation difficult. Thapa recalls her orchard's past glory, where trees bore 500 fruits per season. The disease, known as Huanglongbing or citrus greening, is spread by an insect and has no known cure.

The Nepal government is promoting alternative crops to support affected farmers, but the transition is challenging. Devi Kumari Thakuri, another farmer, suspects the disease spread from infected fruits brought by locals. Experts suggest isolating infected fruits to prevent further spread.

Climate change has altered blooming times, affecting fruit quality. Local officials note that the disease has spread to higher altitudes due to warmer temperatures. The government is now discouraging sweet orange cultivation at lower altitudes and promoting other crops.

Despite the challenges, farmers like Thapa are adapting by cultivating alternative crops such as potatoes, turmeric, and ginger. The story of Sindhuli's farmers highlights the impact of climate change on agriculture and the need for support in adapting to new realities.