The lemon production in western parts of India, namely Gujarat, which is the country’s largest grower, is currently low, which combined with high demand (boosted by high temperatures) is resulting in higher prices than last season, of about 1 dollar per kilogram, reports Mr Naresh Boghara, of the Indian company Jagdamba Farm, specialised in the production and supply of a wide range of agricultural products.
India exports its lemons mostly to Arab countries, like Oman or UAE. “Since distances are not great and Gujarat has a good amount of ports, which makes exporting to these countries very easy. Compared to other countries, the customs rates are really good,” explains Mr Boghara. "Furthermore, when it comes to the use of pesticides or fertilizers the conditions in these countries are profitable for business.”
He explains that lemons in India are mostly used for the production of a drink consumed when temperatures stand between 32 and 35 degrees, although they are not that popular as a culinary ingredient.
