Citrus lovers throng orange orchards near Taxila.

TAXILA -- The sweet smell of citrus spread through the damp air as dozens of citrus lovers gathered in orchards to enjoy the Khanpur red blood oranges on Sunday.

Like successive years, this year orange orchards located in the Punj Khatta area between Taxila and Khanpur remain the most favourite destination of citrus lovers. Makeshift kiosks are set up on Taxila-Khanpur Road every year between December and February. Commuters travelling on inter-provincial routes stop to enjoy the freshly-picked fruit, some taking it as a gift for their near and dear ones. Varieties of oranges like hamlin, ruby red and mussami sell like hot cakes despite the high prices this year. At present, red blood oranges are being sold between Rs1,500 to Rs1,600 while shakri is available for Rs1,400 per 100 pieces.

Scores of families were seen enjoying the fresh citrus in the orchards.

Fizza Raja, who is on a vacation with her family from the United Kingdom, said she was having a great time eating oranges in the orchard.

'I am here to see for myself how the oranges are picked in the orchards. I had not realised that the best feeling is not just picking oranges but sitting under the sun with my family and eating them. This is a unique experience,' she added.

Sana Shah, another visitor from Islamabad, said she visited these farms every year to taste the red blood oranges. 'Timely rain and favourable weather this year has added to the taste,' she added.

According to data of the local crop reporting centre...

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