Rajan Mathew, a Kerala farmer, has found success in organic lemon farming, earning ₹13 lakh in peak-season earnings. After spending nearly three decades working in the Gulf, Mathew returned to Kerala and replaced the rubber trees on his family's land with lemon plants.
His venture in Vilakkudy village near Punalur in Kollam district has grown into an organic lemon orchard, producing tonnes of fruit annually. Mathew cultivates lemons on 0.8 acres and sells the produce directly to customers for as much as ₹260 per kg during periods of peak demand.
Key Takeaways
- Rajan Mathew's organic lemon farm in Kerala earns ₹13 lakh in peak season
- Mathew's success offers a promising alternative to rubber farming in Kerala
- Identifying local demand and building direct sales channels can shape a farming business
- Organic farming practices, such as using organic inputs and maintaining soil health, are crucial for success
- Diversifying crops and selling produce directly to customers can increase earnings for farmers
What prompted Rajan Mathew to switch from rubber to lemons?
Mathew's decision was driven by the economics of cultivation. Declining returns and high production costs had made rubber farming less attractive, while Kerala continued to depend heavily on lemons sourced from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he noticed rising lemon prices and saw an opportunity to grow the fruit locally. Mathew began planting lemon saplings before returning permanently from the Gulf in 2022.
How does Mathew's farm produce around five tonnes of lemons annually?
Mathew grows different varieties, including Ganapathi lemons and the Assam variety Kaji Nimu, which can bear fruit throughout the year. A mature tree can produce around 50 kg of lemons annually, and with approximately 100 trees, the orchard has the potential to produce around five tonnes a year.
By the numbers
- 0.8 acres: the size of Mathew's lemon orchard
- 100: the number of lemon trees in the orchard
- 5 tonnes: the annual production of the orchard
- ₹260 per kg: the price of lemons during peak demand
- ₹13 lakh: Mathew's peak-season earnings
What sales channels does Mathew use to sell his lemons?
Mathew sells lemons through his own retail outlet and accepts bulk orders for weddings and other functions. He has also started selling saplings, creating another source of income from his experience in lemon cultivation.
Why are Kerala farmers exploring alternatives to rubber farming?
Mathew's decision reflects a broader search among some farmers in Kerala for crops that may offer better returns than rubber. Experts have cautioned that replacing one monoculture with another can create environmental risks.
However, Mathew's experience illustrates how identifying local demand and building direct sales channels can shape a farming business. The viability of switching crops depends on factors such as cultivation costs, yields, prices, and the ability to find buyers consistently.
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What are the implications of Mathew's success for other farmers in Kerala?
Mathew's success in organic lemon farming offers a promising alternative to rubber farming, which has been facing declining returns and high production costs. His approach to direct sales and building a strong local market can serve as a model for other farmers looking to diversify their crops and increase their earnings.
What are the challenges and opportunities for organic lemon farming in Kerala?
While Mathew's success is promising, there are challenges to be addressed, such as the need for organic certification, the importance of soil health, and the potential for environmental risks. However, the opportunities for organic lemon farming in Kerala are significant, with a growing demand for organic produce and a potential for increased earnings for farmers.
How can other farmers in Kerala replicate Mathew's success?
To replicate Mathew's success, other farmers in Kerala can focus on identifying local demand, building direct sales channels, and diversifying their crops. They can also explore organic farming practices, such as using organic inputs and maintaining soil health. Additionally, farmers can consider selling their produce directly to customers, either through retail outlets or online platforms, to increase their earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Rajan Mathew to switch from rubber to lemons?
Mathew's decision was driven by the economics of cultivation, with declining returns and high production costs making rubber farming less attractive.
How does Mathew's farm produce around five tonnes of lemons annually?
Mathew grows different varieties of lemons, including Ganapathi lemons and the Assam variety Kaji Nimu, and has approximately 100 trees in his orchard.
What sales channels does Mathew use to sell his lemons?
Mathew sells lemons through his own retail outlet and accepts bulk orders for weddings and other functions, and also sells saplings.
