Mowsam Hazarika
(mowsam2000@yahoo.co.in)
Assam, a land known for its rich biodiversity and agricultural diversity, is home to many unique crops, including its indigenous citrus varieties. Among these, Kaji Nemu, or Assam lemon, holds a distinct place due to its intense aroma, high juice content, and versatile uses in both culinary and medicinal fields. The fruit plays an essential role in Assamese cuisine, where it is used to enhance the flavour of various dishes. Beyond its taste, it has significant medicinal properties, including aiding digestion and boosting immunity. Despite these advantages, Kaji Nemu faced several challenges that hindered its large-scale production. Farmers struggled with issues such as pest infestations, inconsistent yields, and an overdependence on chemical pesticides. Pests like trunk borers, fruit-sucking moths, aphids, and citrus canker caused significant losses, and the lack of knowledge about sustainable pest control methods made matters worse.
To address these concerns, the ICAR-National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management (ICAR-NRIIPM) partnered with Assam Agricultural University’s Citrus Research Station (AAU-CRS) in Tinsukia to launch an initiative under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Programme in 2017. This project aimed to promote eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to enhance the productivity of Kaji Nemu while improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers, particularly in tribal communities. The program marked the beginning of a transformative phase in Assam’s lemon industry, introducing modern agricultural techniques that prioritised sustainability and efficiency.
The initiative began in Dirak Maithong, a flood-prone village in Assam with a total land area of 418 hectares and a population of over 600 residents. The first phase of the project focused on 34 farming families cultivating Kaji Nemu on 12.7 hectares of land. Encouraged by initial success, the second phase expanded to include an additional 40 families, increasing the cultivation area by 19.6 hectares. The growing participation of farmers highlighted the increasing trust in the new scientific methods introduced through the programme.
One of the key elements of the initiative was the implementation of a tailored IPM module. Designed through direct engagement with farmers, this module incorporated scientific advancements with traditional farming practices to create effective pest control strategies. Regular training programs, interactive field demonstrations, and farmer-scientist collaborations ensured that farmers could adopt and apply these techniques successfully. The introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of Kaji Nemu further improved crop resilience, leading to healthier plants and better yields.
In addition to improving farming practices, a major step toward empowering growers was the establishment of the “CRS-Naa Dihing Nemu Tenga Unnayan Samity.” This cooperative society was formed to help Assam lemon farmers eliminate intermediaries and gain direct access to markets. Previously, middlemen played a dominant role in price negotiations, often limiting the profits that farmers could make. By working together through the cooperative, farmers gained better control over pricing and distribution, leading to higher earnings. The formation of the cooperative also allowed farmers to begin the process of obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Assam lemon. A GI tag would help establish Kaji Nemu as a unique product linked to its place of origin, protecting its authenticity and increasing its market value. While the GI application is still under review, it has already boosted interest in Assam’s lemon industry.
The impact of the program has been significant in multiple ways. Before its implementation, Kaji Nemu was grown on approximately 33 hectares of land. Over time, this increased to 107 hectares, demonstrating a substantial expansion in cultivation. Farmers also experienced significant improvements in their productivity, with average yields rising from 4,421 kg per hectare to 7,614 kg per hectare. This increase in production directly translated into higher incomes, with many farmers seeing their earnings double or even triple. The benefit-cost ratio of the initiative reached an impressive 3.4:1, showcasing the economic viability of the project.
One of the most noteworthy developments was the establishment of a commercial-scale Assam lemon nursery under the cooperative society. This nursery provided farmers with high-quality planting materials, ensuring that more cultivators had access to superior saplings. The nursery also created an additional source of income, as farmers could sell planting materials along with their produce. Over time, Dirak Maithong, once struggling with low yields and pest-related losses, emerged as a model agricultural village. Its recognition as an ‘IPM village’ reflects the success of sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods in improving citrus production.
The success of this initiative has extended beyond the borders of Assam, bringing Kaji Nemu to the national and international markets. Previously sold only within the state, the fruit is now transported to various parts of India and exported to global markets, including Singapore, Dubai, and the United Kingdom. This international recognition has helped increase demand and given farmers access to better profit margins. Exporting Kaji Nemu not only benefits individual farmers but also strengthens Assam’s position as a leading producer of high-quality citrus fruits. The transition from being a locally consumed fruit to an internationally traded commodity highlights the impact of scientific research, sustainable practices, and collective farmer efforts.
The collaboration between ICAR, AAU-CRS, and local farmers has been instrumental in this success story. The integration of scientific innovations with indigenous farming knowledge helped tackle key challenges that had previously hindered growth in Assam’s lemon industry. By reducing dependence on chemical pesticides and adopting environmentally friendly pest control techniques, farmers have been able to increase their yields while maintaining ecological balance. The cooperative model has further empowered farmers by giving them greater control over pricing and market access.
The future of Kaji Nemu looks promising, with growing demand and opportunities for further expansion. To build on this success, continued support from research institutions, government policies, and industry stakeholders will be crucial. Investing in processing units, better storage facilities, and value-added products such as lemon extracts or essential oils could help further enhance the profitability of Assam lemon. Securing the GI tag would also provide an additional boost, giving Kaji Nemu a recognised status that differentiates it from other citrus varieties in the market.
The transformation of Kaji Nemu from a widely cultivated but underutilised fruit to a globally recognised agricultural success is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and community-driven efforts. Farmers who once faced uncertainty due to pest infestations and low market prices now have access to improved techniques, higher incomes, and new opportunities. The journey from local cultivation to international trade showcases how sustainable agricultural practices, when supported by scientific research and cooperative strategies, can create lasting economic and environmental benefits. By continuing on this path, Assam’s lemon industry is poised to reach even greater heights, ensuring that Kaji Nemu remains a valuable asset for generations to come.