Within Vijayapura, Karnataka, the farming sector is seeing an increase in the cultivation of lemons especially the Khagji variety that is identified through its Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The tag is intended to identify the distinct characteristic and source of lemons, may not yet result in direct benefits to local farmers. Yet local lemon farmers have seen a surge particularly in the sales of lemon saplings. This is attracting buyers from Karnataka and other states in the vicinity including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Vijayapura which is also known as lemongrainage is known as a producer of commercial fruits, and lemons are the most common agricultural product. The district dedicates 8,000 acres to the cultivation of lemons, with part of that area being of that being located in the Indi Taluk. An example of how successful in this area can be seen in BeerappaVaggi who hails from Tamba village. He made use of his 14-acre farm to make a substantial profit by and has devoted a significant portion of the land for nurturing as well as selling the saplings of lemons.

Demand for these plants is what has driven many local farmers particularly in the Indi taluk, to start lemon nurseries. The nurseries are carefully managed in order to provide high-quality saplings using manure rich in nutrients and highly efficient transplantation procedures to protect that the trees’ health is maintained as well as their the market value. Prices for these saplings differs with the age of the plant, which reflects their worth in the marketplace.

Despite the widespread popularity of the Khagji Lemon as well as the GI label it carries some farmers from Vijayapura have expressed concern about the absence of tangible benefits of these recognitions as well as those of the Lemon Development Board. They are calling for more significant public support, which includes subsidy, in order to maximize on the efforts they have made in cultivating lemons, and to increase their profits.

Source: The Hans India