Lemon Farming: Best Business Guide & 15 Tips

Commercial lemon farming is a very old, popular and profitable business in many countries around the world. Many people are already doing this business commercially for making money.

Lemon is a very important fruit throughout the world and it is mainly known for it’s pulp and juice throughout the world. It’s a great business for making money easily.

The lemon (Citrus limon) is a species of small evergreen tree in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, native to Asia (primarily Assam, Northeast India), Northern Myanmar or China.

The tree’s ellipsoidal yellow fruit is called lemon and the fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world. It is used primarily for it’s juice, which has both culinary and cleaning uses. The pulp and rind are also used in cooking and baking.

The juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid, with a pH of around 2.2, giving it a sour taste. The distinctive sour taste of lemon juice makes it a key ingredient in drinks and foods such as lemonade and lemon meringue pie.[1]

Total world production of lemons (combined with limes for reporting) was around 19.4 million tonnes. Top lemon producers were India, Mexico, China, Argentina, Brazil and Turkey (collectively accounted for 65% of global production).

However, commercial lemon farming is a very easy and profitable business. And you can start this business easily for making money.

How to Start Lemon Farming Business

Starting commercial or large scale lemon production business is very easy and simple. You can easily start this business even if you are a beginner.

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But we recommend having training or practical knowledge from existing farmers if you are a beginner. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting commercial lemon farming business.

Site Selection

First of all, you have to select a very good location for starting your commercial lemon farming business. Actually, lemons can be grown in almost all types of soils. Light soils having good drainage are suitable for it’s production.

Ideal pH range should be 5.5 to 7.5. The plants can also grow in slightly alkaline and acidic soils. Light loam and drained soils are considered best for commercial lemon cultivation business.

Land Preparation

Prepare the land perfectly so that the plants can grow well. Plough, cross plough and level the land properly. In case of planting in hilly areas, planting is done on terraces against slopes in hilly areas. High density planting is also possible in such areas.

Climate Requirement For Lemon Production

The sub-tropical climate is the best suited for lemon plant growth and good development. Temperature below -4° C is harmful for the young plants. Soil temperature around 24° C to 25° C seems to be optimum for root growth.

Dry and arid climates/conditions coupled with well-defined summer having low rainfall (ranging from 75cm to 250cm) are most favorable for the growth of the crop.

Varieties/Cultivars

There are many different varieties or cultivars of lemon available throughout the world for commercial production. Some common and popular lemon varieties are Bonnie, Eureka, Lisbon, Sorrento, Yen Ben etc. are some common variety found and cultivated in United States.

Purchase Seeds/Plants

The lemon plants are propagated by budding or air layering. You can either prepare the plants of your own or purchase from any of your nearest nurseries.

Planting

The best season for planting lemon plants is between July and August. Minimum recommended plant density is 208 plants per acre.

Spacing between plants should be kept between 4.5×4.5. Pits of size 60×60×60cm should be dug for planting seedlings. 10Kg of Farmyard Manure and 500g of single superphosphate should be applied to pits while planting.

Caring

The lemon plants are very strong and hardy and they generally require less caring and other management. Although, taking additional care will help the plants to grow better and produce more.

Here we are trying to describe about the top caring process of the plants for commercial lemon farming business.

Fertilizing

The lemon plants are heavy feeders. They require both organic and chemical fertilizers for better growth and maximum production.

Apply well decomposed cow dung at the rate of 5 to 20 kg per tree when the age of the plant is between 1 and 3 years. Apply Urea at the rate of 100-300 grams per tree.

Apply well decomposed cow dung at the rate of 25 to 50 kg and Urea 100 to 300 grams per tree when the tress are between 4 and 6 years of age.

For the trees aged between 7 and 9 years, apply urea at the rate of 600 to 800 grams and well decomposed cow dung at the rate of 60 to 90 kg per tree.

Apply around 100 kg well decomposed cow dung per tree and 800 to 1600 grams of Urea for the trees aged up to 10 years.

Apply whole amount of cow dung during December month whereas apply Urea in two parts; apply first of Urea in February, and second dose in April-May month. At time of applying first dose of Urea, apply whole dose of SSP fertilizer.

Watering/Irrigation

Lemon plants require regular irrigation for better growth and production. Lifesaving irrigation should be given in winters and summers. Irrigation is necessary for Flowering, Fruiting and proper plant growth.

Although, over irrigation may also lead to diseases like Root rot and Collar rot. High frequency watering is beneficial.

Mulching

Mulching is very beneficial for retaining moisture into the soil, it also helps to control weeds. You can use organic materials for using as mulch.

Weeding

Weeds can be controlled by hand-hoeing and also controlled chemically. Use glyphosate at the rate of 1.6 liter per 150 liter of water. Use glyphosate only on weeds not on crop plants.

Pruning

For proper growth of trunk of plant, Shoots in 50-60cm near ground level should be removed. Center of plant should remain open. Water suckers should be removed at early stages of growth.

Pests & Diseases

Like many other commercial crops, the lemon plants are also susceptible to some pests and diseases. Common pests and diseases of the lemon plants are Citrus psylla, Leaf miner, Scale insects, Aphids, Mealy bugs, Citrus canker, Gummosis, Powdery mildew, Black spot, Lemon scab, Collar rot, Zinc deficiency, Iron deficiency etc. Contact with an expert in your area if you notice any problem.

Harvesting

You can start harvesting when the fruits attain proper size, shape along with attractive color. Depending upon variety fruits are generally ready for harvesting in Mid-January to Mid-February.

The Eureka lemon variety grows year-round and abundantly. This is the common supermarket lemon, also known as ‘Four Seasons’ (Quatre Saisons) because of its ability to produce fruit and flowers together throughout the year.

Do harvesting at proper time as too early or too late harvesting will give poor quality. Wash the fruits after harvesting with clean water.

Yield

Yield is generally low during the initial years. You can expect between 50 and 60 fruits per tree in their 2-3 years of age. Production increase as the plants age and you can expect good production from their 8th years of age. Average production is around 700 fruits per tree after stabilization.

Marketing

Marketing lemon is very easy and simple. You can easily sell your products in the local market or any supermarket. Although, you should make a good marketing plan before starting this business.

These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful lemon farming business. Hope this guide has helped you. Good luck & may God bless you!

Best Tips for Lemon Farming

Here are the best tips for lemon farming to help you grow healthy and productive lemon trees.

1. Choose the Right Variety of Lemon Trees

The first step to successful lemon farming is to choose the right variety of lemon trees that will thrive in your climate and soil type. Some popular varieties of lemon trees include Eureka, Lisbon, and Meyer.

Eureka and Lisbon are traditional varieties that produce a high yield of fruit, while Meyer is a hybrid variety that is known for its sweet flavor and disease resistance.

2. Prepare the Soil for Planting

The soil is the foundation of any successful farming operation, and lemon farming is no exception. Lemons prefer well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5.

Prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost, to improve the soil’s fertility and structure. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH level.

3. Plant Lemon Trees in the Right Location

Lemons require a lot of sunlight to grow and produce fruit, so it’s essential to plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Planting lemon trees on a slope or a raised bed can also help with drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

4. Water Lemon Trees Regularly

Lemon trees require consistent and adequate watering to grow and produce fruit. Depending on your climate and soil type, you may need to water your lemon trees once or twice a week during the growing season.

However, be careful not to overwater your lemon trees as this can lead to waterlogging and root rot.

5. Fertilize Lemon Trees

Fertilization is critical for the growth and productivity of lemon trees. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, during the growing season to provide the essential nutrients that lemon trees need. You can also apply organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or fish emulsion.

6. Prune Lemon Trees

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of lemon trees. Prune your lemon trees annually to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Pruning also encourages new growth, which can lead to higher fruit production.

7. Control Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases can be a significant threat to lemon trees, affecting their health and productivity. Common pests that affect lemon trees include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.

You can control these pests by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. Diseases such as root rot and citrus canker can also affect lemon trees. To prevent these diseases, avoid overwatering and maintain proper soil drainage.

8. Harvest Lemon Trees at the Right Time

Harvesting lemon trees at the right time is essential to get the best quality fruit. Lemons should be harvested when they are fully ripe and have a bright yellow color. Harvesting too early or too late can affect the quality and flavor of the fruit.

9. Mulch Lemon Trees

Mulching is an effective way to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, around the base of your lemon trees. This will help to retain moisture in the soil and provide essential nutrients to the trees.

10. Control Weeds

Weeds can compete with lemon trees for water and nutrients, reducing their growth and productivity. Regularly remove weeds from around your lemon trees, and use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed growth.

11. Protect Lemon Trees from Frost

Lemons are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged by frost. If you live in an area with cold winters, protect your lemon trees by covering them with blankets or tarps when temperatures drop below freezing.

12. Train Lemon Trees

Training your lemon trees to grow in a specific shape or form can improve their growth and productivity. For example, you can train your lemon trees to grow in a vase shape or a central leader shape. This will improve the tree’s exposure to sunlight and air circulation, leading to better fruit production.

13. Monitor Soil Moisture

Lemon trees require consistent moisture to grow and produce fruit. Monitor soil moisture levels regularly, and water your trees as needed. You can use a moisture meter or simply dig a small hole in the soil to check for moisture.

14. Use Companion Planting

Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops together to improve their growth and productivity. Some plants, such as marigolds and basil, are known to repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

Planting these companion plants around your lemon trees can help to control pests and improve soil fertility.

15. Use Organic Pest Control Methods

Using organic pest control methods, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or companion planting, can help to control pests without harming beneficial insects or pollinators.

Organic methods are also better for the environment and can help to maintain the health of your lemon trees over the long term.

Related Queries & FAQs

There are lots of questions and queries related to lemon farming business. Here we are trying to list the common questions and queries about this popular and profitable business and trying to answer them. Hope you will find answers of your questions or queries. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

Nutritional Value of Lemon

Lemon is very nutritious. It is especially a rich source of vitamin C. A 100 grams serving provide 64% of the Daily Value. And other essential nutrients are low in content.

Lemons contain numerous phytochemicals, including polyphenols, terpenes and tannis. Lemon juice contains slightly more citric acid than lime juice (around 47 g/l), nearly twice the citric acid of grapefruit juice and about five times the amount of citric acid found in orange juice.

Vitamin C is very high in lemon and other vitamins and minerals are relatively less in content. A 100 grams lemon juice provide following nutrients.

  • Energy: 29 kcal (121 kJ)
  • Carbohydrates: 9.32 grams
  • Sugars: 2.5 grams
  • Dietary fiber: 2.5 grams
  • Fat: 0.3 gram
  • Protein: 1.1 gram
  • Vitamin C: 53 mg

Health Benefits of Lemons

Lemons are very nutritious and have numerous health benefits. Lemons are very high in vitamin C, fiber and numerous beneficial plant compounds.

Lemons may support heart health, weight control and digestive health. However, here we are trying to describe about the top health benefits of lemons.

  • Lemons support heart health because they are high in heart-healthy vitamin C and several beneficial plant compounds that may lower cholesterol.[2]
  • Regular consumption of lemons help to control weight.
  • Lemon juice may help to prevent kidney stones.
  • As you know lemons contain vitamin C and citric acid, which help you absorb non-heme iron from plants and this may prevent anemia.
  • Lemon contain some beneficial plant compounds or chemicals which have been shown to prevent cancer in animal (human studies are needed).
  • The soluble fiber in lemons could help improve digestive health. But for getting this benefit, you need to eat the pulp of the lemon, not just the juice.
  • Lemon water promotes hydration. Adding lemon enhances water’s flavor, which may help you drink more.
  • As lemon contain high amount of vitamin C, it improves your skin quality. It help to reduce skin wrinkling, dry skin from aging and also damage from sun.
  • Lemon water freshens breath.

Advantages of Lemon Farming Business

Commercial lemon farming is a very easy and profitable business. Many people are already doing this business. It’s very easy, even the beginners can also start this business.

Commercial or large scale production of lemon is very popular in many countries for making money. However, here we are trying to describe the top advantages of lemon farming business.

  • Starting commercial lemon farming business is very easy and simple. You can start this business easily, even if you are a beginner.
  • Growing lemon plants is very easy and simple. The plants are also very strong and hardy.
  • Commercial lemon farming is a traditional business in some areas of India, Myanmar and China.
  • Many producers have already started commercial lemon farming business. So, you don’t have to worry much about starting this business. It has very good future.
  • Commercial lemon production is highly profitable. So, you will be able to make good profits from this business.
  • You can start this business even if you are a beginner. Although, we recommend having training before starting commercial production.
  • Capital requirements are relatively low as compared to some other crop farming business. But don’t worry, the returns are good.
  • Both demand and value of lemon are good in the market. So, you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products.
  • Caring the lemon plants is very easy. And you have to spend less for taking care of your plants.
  • You can even start small scale lemon production and utilize your unused land, bank of ponds or lakes etc. And doing so will give you some extra money.
  • Commercial lemon farming is a very good and profitable business. So, it can be a good employment source for the unemployed people. Especially for the educated but unemployed people.
  • Lemons are very nutritious, and you can enjoy fresh lemons if you start your own lemon production business.

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