Written by Geeta Upadhyaya
Assam’s Kaji Nemu, long a staple in households across the state, could be poised for a much larger role in the rural economy. Its Geographical Indication (GI) status, proven commercial viability, and growing international demand suggest the citrus fruit has the potential to become a significant agro-industrial product.
Known for its distinctive oblong shape and strong aroma, Assam Lemon (Citrus limon), locally called Kaji Nemu, has already secured a GI tag, recognising its unique characteristics and close association with Assam’s agro-climatic conditions. Despite this recognition, however, the fruit continues to be cultivated largely at the household level, leaving much of its commercial potential untapped.
Economic indicators strongly support expanding its commercial cultivation. An empirical study on the economic feasibility, supply chain and farming practices of Assam Lemon growers in Tinsukia district found the crop to be highly profitable, with a Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR) of 1.96.
The study estimated a payback period of 5.7 years, well within the acceptable range for citrus cultivation. It also reported an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 28 per cent and a Net Present Value (NPV) of Rs 11,06,861, highlighting the crop’s strong financial viability.
The opportunities extend beyond the fresh-fruit market. Assam Lemon’s rich biochemical composition makes it suitable for producing juice, zest and essential oils, which have applications in food processing, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other industries. Its distinct flavour also aligns with sourness-oriented cuisines popular in neighbouring Myanmar and Indonesia, as well as in parts of Europe and Russia.
Signs of export potential have already emerged. Recent consignments reportedly included 1,000 kg of Assam Lemon shipped to Dubai and 5,000 lemons exported to London. These shipments indicate growing international interest, although sustained exports will depend on maintaining consistent quality, reliable supply, and compliance with global market standards.
Despite this promise, several structural challenges continue to limit the crop’s commercial expansion.
Supply chain inefficiencies remain among the biggest constraints. Garrett’s ranking analysis identified excessive dependence on intermediaries as the primary reason farmers receive low prices for their produce. Growers also face insect and pest attacks, inadequate regulated markets, price fluctuations, labour shortages, limited access to storage and institutional credit, and rising pesticide costs.
The marketing system presents another major hurdle. Around 80 per cent of farmers sell their produce directly from their farms, reflecting the limited reach of organised marketing channels. The long chain of intermediaries often affects the quality of this highly perishable produce, restricts farmers’ access to market information and leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.
Developing an integrated value chain could significantly improve returns. Processing Kaji Nemu into value-added products would diversify farmers’ income while reducing dependence on fresh-fruit sales. However, processing facilities alone will not be enough. Better market linkages, cold-storage infrastructure and reliable refrigerated transport will also be essential to minimise post-harvest losses and connect growers with domestic and international buyers.
Assam’s natural conditions provide a strong foundation for expanding citrus cultivation. The state’s diverse soil profile, from fertile alluvial plains to lateritic hill soils, combined with abundant rainfall, favourable temperatures and suitable humidity, creates ideal conditions for citrus farming. Sandy soils formed under heavy rainfall are also considered well suited to citrus cultivation. Among the state’s major citrus crops are Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata) and Assam Lemon (Citrus limon).
Kaji Nemu also possesses several agronomic advantages. It can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf-bud cuttings, and air layering. Planting is generally carried out between May and August, preferably before the onset of the monsoon, in pits measuring 0.5 m × 0.5 m × 0.5 m with a spacing of three metres.
The crop bears fruit throughout the year, with two major peak seasons. Even after ripening, the fruits remain attached to the tree for a considerable period, giving farmers greater flexibility in harvesting and marketing.
Production levels vary across Assam. According to National Horticulture Board data, Nalbari leads district-wise production with 7,013 thousand tonnes across 815 thousand hectares, recording a productivity of 8,605. Other major producing districts include Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Baksa and Dima Hasao, while Dima Hasao records the state’s highest productivity at 9,027.
A recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Assam Agricultural University (AAU) and SRD Group to strengthen processing and commercialisation could help address some of these challenges. Such collaborations can bridge academic research, private-sector investment and practical support for farmers.
For Kaji Nemu to move beyond its traditional role as a backyard crop, Assam will need an integrated ecosystem that connects growers with technology, finance, processing facilities, cold-chain infrastructure and organised markets.
Its GI identity, year-round fruiting, proven profitability and growing export potential have already laid a strong foundation.
The next step is to build the infrastructure and institutional support needed to transform that potential into a sustainable agro-industry.
If the existing gaps in the value chain are addressed, Kaji Nemu could evolve from a backyard citrus fruit into one of Assam’s most valuable horticultural exports, creating new income opportunities for farmers while strengthening the state’s agro-processing sector.
Geeta Upadhyaya is an assistant professor at Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai