Lemons in India

Lemons in India

News: Over the last few weeks, the price of lemon has touched unprecedented highs, with a single lemon retailing between INR 10 and INR 15 in most markets.

Facts to know:
• The fruit is grown in orchards spanning a combined 3.17 lakh hectares across the country. Lemon trees flower and give fruit three times a year.
• Andhra Pradesh is the largest lemon-growing state in India. Other major growers include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
• Climatic Conditions – A warm, moderately dry and moist climate is the most suitable for the fruit, with heavy rainfall inducing bacterial diseases in orchards.

What is the fruit’s cycle?
• Farmers supply the fruit round the year by inducing flowering through what is known as the ‘bahar treatment’
• Lemon growers take three bahars in a year – known as Ambe, Mrig and Hasta and name based on the season when the flowering is induced.