Orange that is grown predominantly in some areas of the district are of the variety “Khasi Mandarin” (Citrus reticulata Blanco) locally called as “Humthira”, “Kamala”, “Ronga Tenga” etc.

The history of introduction of this South-East Asia originated crop is not clearly known. But it is certain that some members of the Moran community first started cultivating it and till date this aboriginal group is the prime grower of the crop. The agro-climatic condition of the district is very much suited for cultivation of orange. Tinsukia district is in fact the largest producer of orange both in terms of area and production in Assam. The area under this crop in the district is 1350 Hect. including new plantations and the production is 19760 M.T. with a productivity of 16000 Kg. per Hect.. The major pockets of orange cultivation in the district are Kakapathar, Hapjan, Doomdooma, Phillobari, Ketetong, Margherita and Talap.

The average area of an orange orchard has been found to be about 4 (four) bighas though the area of individual orchards ranges from 2 bighas to 120 bighas. Though during last few years due to poor health of orange orchards resulting from use of improper planting material as well as poor management practices and in particular, because of a complex problem called “Citrus Decline” had temped the orange growers towards tea plantation i.e. another profitable venture on the same kind of land and agro-climatic condition, but recently again there has been a trend amongst the orange growers to go back to orange cultivation due to more labour intensive nature of tea and associated technical problems and, of course, because of the thrust given by the Department Agriculture, Govt. of Assam, through rejuvenation programmes and area expansion programmes under Techonology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture. Thus the area under “Humthira” has increased by 20% in the district.

In conclusion, it can be said that the very fate of the orange growers along with this declining unique non-pollutant fruit of the world and related industries, is depending upon the efforts of every concerned departments and of course, public awareness to come out with self inspiration so as to work for self and for mass development.

Moreover, Orange orchards can also be projected and developed as point of tourists' attraction. A visit to an orchard, heavily laden with oranges and to behold the beauty and colour and to get engulfed in the irresistible fragrance it spreads, would be an alluring experience.