In Vijayapura, Karnataka, the agriculture sector is witnessing a surge in lemon cultivation, particularly the Khagji variety, which is distinguished by its Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This tag, intended to signify the unique quality and origin of the lemons, has yet to translate into direct advantages for local farmers. Despite this, the district's lemon growers are experiencing a boom, especially in the sale of lemon saplings, attracting buyers from both within Karnataka and neighboring states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Vijayapura, often referred to as lemongrainage, is renowned for its production of commercial crops, with lemons being a staple agricultural output. The district allocates 8,000 hectares to lemon cultivation, with a significant portion in the Indi taluk. A notable example of success in this domain is BeerappaVaggi from Tamba village, who has leveraged his 14-acre lemon farm for substantial profit, dedicating a portion of his land to nurturing and selling lemon saplings.
The demand for these saplings has prompted many local farmers, especially in the Indi taluk, to establish lemon nurseries. These nurseries are meticulously managed to produce high-quality saplings, employing nutrient-rich manure and careful transplantation techniques to ensure the saplings' health and market value. The pricing of these saplings varies with age, reflecting their value in the market.
Despite the popularity of the Khagji lemon and the GI tag it holds, farmers in Vijayapura have voiced concerns over the lack of tangible benefits from such recognitions and the Lemon Development Board. They argue for more substantial government support, including subsidies, to fully capitalize on their efforts in lemon cultivation and enhance their profitability.
Source: The Hans India