Lemons from India’s Odisha reach US markets for the first time

Lemons from Angul district in Odisha, eastern India, have reached the United States in a recent export push, offering farmers a much-needed boost in income. In August 2025, about 100,000 lemons were shipped in three batches from Ogi village under Chhendipada block.

For years, growers received only ₹0.20–0.30 per lemon (around US$0.002–0.003), often selling 100 lemons for as little as ₹20–30 (about US$0.23–0.34). Many left fruit unharvested, as the cost of plucking exceeded the returns. Under the new export model, procurement prices have risen to ₹1 per lemon (roughly US$0.011), giving farmers three to four times more than before.

This shift has changed outlooks. Several farmers who had considered cutting down their lemon trees due to poor returns are now encouraged to expand cultivation. Beyond fresh lemons, there are also efforts to prepare value-added products such as juices, squashes, and pickles, aimed at widening market opportunities both in India and abroad.

The initiative is seen as a step toward ensuring fairer prices, stabilising production, and building a more sustainable future for lemon cultivation in Angul, while also positioning the district more strongly in global agricultural trade.

source: ianslive.in

photo: sambadenglish.com