PHNOM PENH, Cambodia May 30 (NNN-BERNAMA) -- After being nearly dormant for years because of the spread of a deadly disease, the famous Battambang orange is starting to make a comeback, The Phnom Penh Post reported.
Previously, the orange industry was almost destroyed by an incurable disease, known as citrus greening, which reared its head in the 1990s, causing infected trees to be destroyed.
In Sovanmony, deputy director of the Battambang Provincial Agriculture Department, said a few years ago, he was sure citrus greening would kill the province's famous orange industry, as farmers gave up on the fruit in favour of other crops.
However, with help and training from experts, and switching to a new orange variety, cultivation of the fruit slowly returned.
The Battambang orange is unique in that its rind is green when ripe.
The Ministry of Agriculture in 2016 said it was seeking to have the fruit recognised under the EU's geographical identification (GI) status because of its unique flavour.--NNN-BERNAMA
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK
