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Agricultural · Maharashtra

Nagpur Orange

GI Registered Maharashtra Agricultural

The loose-jacketed mandarin of Vidarbha — sweet-tart, easy to peel, and the identity of an entire city.

GI numberGI-42
Registered
Goods class31
Typical price₹60 - ₹150 per kg
ProprietorNagpur Orange Growers' Association
StateMaharashtra

The story

Nagpur is 'Orange City' for a reason: the Vidarbha region's black cotton soil and hot days with cool nights produce a mandarin with a loose, easily-peeled jacket and a sweet-acid balance unlike any other citrus in India. Introduced in the 18th century by the Bhonsle rulers, the fruit became so synonymous with the city that the GI tag in 2014 felt less like protection and more like paperwork catching up with the obvious.

How it is made

  1. Budded on rough-lemon rootstock in Vidarbha's black soils.
  2. Two crops a year: Ambia (monsoon bloom) and Mrig (autumn bloom).
  3. Harvested at colour-break for the distinctive sweet-tart balance.
  4. Graded, waxed lightly and packed for transport across India.

◈ How to identify the authentic Nagpur Orange

What to check

  • Loose, puffy peel that comes away in large pieces.
  • Deep orange colour with slightly rough texture — not glossy-smooth.
  • Distinct sweet-tart taste; imported mandarins are flatly sweet.
  • Season: Dec–Feb (Ambia) and Mar–Apr (Mrig).

Distinctly sweet-sour loose-skinned citrus that produces heavy, deeply pigmented juice matrixes; look-alikes are pale and watery inside.

Price to expect

Genuine Nagpur Orange typically sells in the range of ₹60 - ₹150 per kg. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as Nagpur Fruit Growers Association, or government emporia and cooperatives in Maharashtra.

Registry record

Registry record: GI-42 · Registered 2014 · Proprietor: Nagpur Orange Growers' Association

Region and market

Nagpur is the hub of India's mandarin production, and the fruit is grown across the Vidarbha region, including Amravati and Wardha districts. The city hosts research bodies and processing interest, and the orange is an important cash crop for thousands of farmers. The crop cycle depends on rainfall and irrigation, and growers manage pests and diseases that can limit yield in poor years.

Buying guide

Choose fruit with loose, slightly bumpy skin and a heavy feel, which suggests juiciness. Colour ranges from green-orange to deep orange, so do not rely on colour alone. Buy in season, typically the winter months, from growers, mandis or reliable fruit vendors. Store at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for longer, and peel just before eating to keep the flavour fresh.

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Nagpur Orange?

This catalogue lists Nagpur Orange as GI-42. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Nagpur Orange made?

Nagpur Orange is produced in Maharashtra, in the agricultural category of this catalogue.

Can Nagpur Orange legally be made outside Maharashtra?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Maharashtra may legally sell goods under the name “Nagpur Orange”.

What does genuine Nagpur Orange cost?

Genuine Nagpur Orange typically sells in the range of ₹60 - ₹150 per kg. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Nagpur Orange?

Distinctly sweet-sour loose-skinned citrus that produces heavy, deeply pigmented juice matrixes; look-alikes are pale and watery inside.

Where should I buy genuine Nagpur Orange?

Look for authorised sellers such as Nagpur Fruit Growers Association, or government emporia and cooperatives in Maharashtra.