If you have ever tasted a sweet, juicy orange in India, chances are it came from Nagpur. Located in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, Nagpur is proudly known as the “Orange City” of India. The name isn’t just symbolic, it reflects the city’s deep connection with orange cultivation, trade, and distribution. Nagpur plays a major role in supplying high-quality oranges to markets across the country.
The region’s natural conditions make it perfect for growing this fruit. Cool winters and fertile black cotton soil create an ideal environment for the famous Nagpur orange. The temperature difference between warm days and cooler nights during winter further enhances the fruit’s flavour and texture, giving it a distinct edge over oranges grown elsewhere.
Orange farming in Nagpur dates back nearly 200 years, to the time of the Bhonsle dynasty. Over generations, the fruit built a strong reputation for its unique taste and consistent quality. Today, Nagpur is considered India’s largest hub for orange cultivation and trade. Its busy mandis, cold-storage facilities, and efficient transport and export networks help distribute oranges to almost every major city in the country.
The Nagpur orange is known for its bright colour, juicy pulp, natural sweetness, and longer shelf life. Its importance was officially recognised when it received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, meaning only oranges grown in this region can be sold as “Nagpur Orange.”
For Nagpur, oranges are not just a crop, they are a legacy.
