Yesterday, reporter learned from the Municipal Orange Sales Office that 1.53 million tons of oranges have been sold out up to November 6 this year, accounting for 53 percent of the expected output 2,881,800 tons. Current orchard bulk sales price reached 1.6 RMB per kilogram, raised 0.43 RMB per kilogram year on year.

　　It is reported that this year the city government plans to export more than 150,000 tons of oranges. So far, among the orchards and export canned orange production companies accredited by the city government, they are 9 Class A enterprises, including Yichang Xiaoxihong Citrus Cooperatives, Yichang Dongsheng Food Co., Ltd., Yichang Yanghong Food Co., Ltd., Yichang Haitong Food Co., Ltd., and 14 Class B enterprises, including Zigui County Qugu Food Co., Ltd., Yichang Rongsheng Food Co., Ltd., etc. On October 31, Yichang Inspection and Quarantine Bureau tested the oranges, residual pesticide and toxic and hazardous substances were not found, heavy metals and nitrates indicators within safety standards. No disqualification products reported abroad either.

　　It is said that Yichang export citrus are mainly Yichang mandarin orange and Zigui navel orange, and they are mainly exported to Russia, Canada, the Middle East, ASEAN, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other countries and regions. (Reporter Zhao Wei; Correspondent Jiang Yuemei)