Lemon farming in Podalakur, India, is emerging as a stable income source for growers, with a shift from traditional crops like paddy to lemons. The dedicated lemon market yard in Podalakur facilitates accessible and profitable sales for cultivators. Lemon cultivation spans approximately 20,000 hectares in the undivided Nellore district, offering a minimum guaranteed income despite occasional price fluctuations. This has led to increased interest in expanding lemon cultivation, and some farmers are replanting lemon saplings in old orchards. For many, lemons have become the primary crop.
The establishment of national and international markets for lemons benefits local growers, with the summer season offering favorable market prices. During peak season, around 20 truckloads of lemons are exported daily from the Podalakur market yard to various Indian states. Krishna Reddy, a local farmer, noted, "The lemon market has expanded across the country. Despite occasional price fluctuations, farmers are mostly earning decent profits. Prices are particularly good during February, March, and April."
Under the Horticulture Department's Rejuvenation Scheme, subsidies are available for replacing old orchards with new saplings. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) supports small and marginal farmers, offering up to approximately US$600 per hectare annually for cultivation costs. Farmer N Sekhar stated, "No matter how many crops we try, lemon farming continues to prove reliable. It provides some income year-round and has become the mainstay for many of us."
Source: New Indian Express