In Anyue county, located in the eastern part of the Sichuan Basin in Southwest China, lemon cultivation has become a significant agricultural sector. The region's mild climate, ample sunshine, and fertile soil create an ideal environment for citrus farming, positioning Anyue as one of the top global producers of lemons.
Tian Jinhua, who leads the Lemon Industry Development Center in Anyue, reported that local farmers predominantly cultivate the "Eureka" lemon variety. This variety is noted for its high citric acid content, ranging between 6-7%, which surpasses that of its counterparts from California, USA, and Sicily, Italy. The high acidity level is considered a key quality and nutritional marker of the fruit.
Innovative techniques have been adopted by Anyue's farmers, including the use of special protective bags for growing lemons. This method enhances the fruit's appearance and offers a natural defence against pests, thus extending its shelf life.
With a population of 1.5 million, Anyue County has about one-third of its residents working in the lemon industry. In 2023, the industry's production volume was reported to be 2.17 billion USD, which represents 9.87% of the county's gross product.
Lemon orchards in Anyue span 32,000 hectares, with an annual yield of 600,000 tons, accounting for 70% of China's total lemon output. It's estimated that 30% of the harvest is exported, generating revenue of 19.97 million USD in 2023.
The distribution of the lemon harvest is divided between fresh sales, which account for 70% of the market, and processed products, making up the remaining 30%.
Source: russian.people.com.cn