LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT AND INCOME GENERATION OF RURAL FARMERS THROUGH ORANGE PRODUCTION IN BAGCHAUR MUNICIPALITY, SALYAN DISTRICT OF NEPAL

The study titled *”Livelihood Improvement and Income Generation of Rural Farmers through Orange Production in Bagchaur Municipality, Salyan District of Nepal”* was conducted from June to August 2023 in two wards of Bagchaur Municipality, Salyan. This research aimed to assess the impact of orange farming on the livelihoods and income of local growers. It involved 50 households, with 20 respondents from Ward 8 and 30 from Ward 9.In the study area, the majority of respondents (90%) depended heavily on agriculture for their income and livelihood, while the remaining 10% engaged in other occupations. Notably, 54% of the farmers used their own orange seeds for cultivation, with all family members actively participating in various stages of farming, showcasing a collective effort to improve their livelihoods. The farmers primarily cultivated local varieties under rain-fed conditions, and the average annual income per family from these local orange varieties was NRs. 31,200. Additionally, 25% of the income from orange farming was saved in micro-finance through group savings.Despite these contributions, the study identified several challenges faced by orange farmers, including a lack of irrigation facilities, pest and disease problems, high input costs, inadequate training opportunities, and uncertainties regarding market prices and marketing strategies.