Lemon Farming in Pakistan: Complete Guide to Cultivation, Varieties, Yield & Pest Management
Lemon farming is one of the most profitable and sustainable agribusinesses in India. As part of the citrus fruit family, lemons are widely valued for their juice, pulp, and medicinal properties. With increasing demand in both domestic and export markets, cultivating lemons offers excellent income opportunities for farmers.
Did you know? Pakistan cultivates lemons and other citrus fruits on nearly 200461 hectares, producing about 2.25 million tons.
(Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348282564_Growth_of_Citrus_Fruits_in_Pakistan )
Climate and Soil Requirements for Lemon Cultivation
Lemon plants thrive in subtropical to tropical climates with moderate rainfall and optimal sunlight.
- Temperature Range: Ideal for growth: 20°C to 25°C
- Rainfall: Requires 75 cm to 200 cm annually
- Soil Type: Lemons can grow in a wide range of soils, but light loamy and well-drained soils are best
- pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5 — slightly acidic to neutral soils are ideal
For more tips on soil preparation, visit our Soil Management Guide.
Popular Lemon Varieties in India and Their Yield
Choosing the right lemon variety can significantly increase production and profitability. Here are some high-yielding options:
1. Punjab Baramasi
- Yellow, round, juicy, seedless fruits
- Average yield: 84 kg per tree
2. Eureka
- Semi-vigorous trees with lemon-yellow skin
- Fruits ripen in August
- Excellent flavor with high acidity
3. Punjab Galgal
- Medium-sized, oval lemons with 8-10 seeds
- Fruits mature in November–December
- Yield: 80-100 kg per tree
4. PAU Baramasi & PAU Baramasi-1
- High-yielding varieties from Punjab Agricultural University
- Seedless and low-seed types
- Average yield: 80-84 kg per tree
Other High-Yield Varieties
- Rasraj (resistant to bacterial blight)
- Lisbon Lemon (frost resistant)
- Lucknow Seedless
- Pant Lemon (resistant to scab, canker, and gummosis)
For more details, check the official Punjab Agricultural University Lemon Varieties.
Land Preparation and Planting
Proper land preparation ensures healthy plant growth and maximum yield.
- Ploughing & Leveling: Plough the field thoroughly and level it well
- Planting Season: July–August is ideal for Kharif lemon farming
- Spacing: Maintain 4.5m × 4.5m spacing between plants
- Pit Size: 60cm × 60cm × 60cm
- Manure Application: Add 10 kg of farmyard manure and 500g single superphosphate per pit
Tip: Intercropping with vegetables like cowpeas, beans, and spinach in the first 2-3 years can increase profits.
Fertilizer Management for Lemon Farming
Balanced nutrient management plays a key role in improving lemon yield and fruit quality.
| Crop Age | Farmyard Manure (kg/tree) | Urea (g/tree) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 years | 5–20 kg | 100–300 g |
| 4–6 years | 25–50 kg | 400–500 g |
| 7–9 years | 60–90 kg | 600–800 g |
| 10+ years | 100 kg | 800–1600 g |
- Apply cow dung in December
- Split urea into two doses: February and April–May
- Apply Single Superphosphate (SSP) along with the first urea dose
Irrigation Needs
- Provide regular irrigation for flowering and fruiting stages
- Avoid over-irrigation to prevent root rot and collar rot
- High-frequency drip irrigation is ideal for water conservation
- Avoid using saline water for irrigation
For drip irrigation techniques, visit our Water-Smart Farming Guide.
Pest and Disease Management in Lemon Farming
Pest control is crucial for ensuring healthy lemon crops and maximum yield.
Common Pests
- Citrus Psylla: Causes leaf curling and fruit drop → Spray Monocrotophos (0.025%)
- Leaf Miner: Distorts young leaves → Use pheromone traps and Phosphomidon sprays
- Scale Insects: Suck plant sap → Apply Neem oil or Parathion (0.03%)
- Aphids & Mealy Bugs: Treat with pest oil or synthetic pyrethroids
Major Lemon Diseases
- Citrus Canker: Control using Bordeaux mixture (1%)
- Gummosis: Avoid waterlogging; apply Metalaxyl drenching
- Powdery Mildew: Spray Carbendazim thrice at 20-day intervals
- Black Spot: Use copper sprays in early spring
- Lemon Scab: Spray copper fungicides with white oil
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management
- Harvesting Time: Mid-January to mid-February (depending on variety)
- Harvest fruits when they reach the right size, color, and TSS-to-acid ratio (12:1)
- Post-Harvest Practices:
- Wash fruits thoroughly
- Dip in chlorinated water (2.5ml/liter)
- Apply Citrashine wax coating for better appearance and shelf life
- Pack fruits in ventilated carton boxes for storage and transport
Conclusion
Lemon farming in India offers huge potential due to high demand in domestic and international markets. By adopting improved varieties, using organic fertilizers, following integrated pest management (IPM), and practicing sustainable irrigation techniques, farmers can maximize yield and profits.
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