Photo: BSS

By Md Mamun Islam

RANGPUR, Oct 20, 2025 (BSS) - Lemon farming is rapidly gaining popularity across the Rangpur agricultural region, transforming the lives of hundreds of farmers and rural families by turning unused lands and homesteads into sources of income.

Due to year-round demand and profitable market prices, farmers are increasingly cultivating lemons in fallow lands, gardens and around homesteads. Many of them have become self-reliant in the process.

Since the covid-19 pandemic, awareness about health and nutrition -- particularly the benefits of vitamin C -- has driven a surge in lemon cultivation, injecting new hope into the region's agro-based economy.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and other sources, approximately 3,200 farmers and rural individuals across the region have achieved self-sufficiency by growing and selling lemons at competitive prices.

Dr Md Abu Sayem, Deputy Director of the DAE's Burirhat Horticulture Centre in Rangpur, told BSS that lemon farming is proving highly profitable, with strong demand and attractive prices encouraging wider adoption.

"People are cultivating lemons in orchards, homesteads, and even using lemon trees as natural fences to protect their crops from domestic animals," he said.

Farmers in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Nilphamari districts are growing various lemon varieties including 'Kagoji', 'Pati', 'Elachi', seedless types, China, and 'Zamir' lemons, across approximately 3,500 hectares of land.

This year, over 7.5 lakh lemon trees are expected to yield around 12 crore (120 million) lemons. At an average farmgate price of Tk 3 per lemon, the total estimated value stands at Tk 36 crore.

However, market prices are even higher -- currently ranging from Tk 4 to Tk 5 per lemon depending on size, shape, and variety. During peak demand seasons, prices may rise to Tk 10 per piece, meaning the lemons could fetch around Tk 60 crore or more at the consumer level.

Krishibid Md Sirajul Islam, Acting Additional Director of the DAE for Rangpur region, said lemon farming has become a profitable commercial venture, making a significant impact on rural livelihoods.

"We're taking further steps to expand lemon cultivation by offering farmers the necessary support, inputs, and training to increase production and meet national nutritional needs," he said.

Md Mamunur Rashid, a PhD fellow at the Department of Agricultural Extension at Haji Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Dinajpur, noted that growing health consciousness is fueling lemon production as farmers respond to demand for vitamin C.

"Around 3,200 farmers and families across all five districts in the Rangpur region have become self-reliant by cultivating lemons in their gardens, orchards, and unused lands," he added.

Farmers Mozammel Haque, Mohammad Ali, and Lutfar Rahman from Rangpur Sadar upazila said they are cultivating lemons and using lemon trees as living fences to safeguard their fields from livestock damage.

Meanwhile, Isahaque Ali and Ariful Haque of Katihara village and Solaiman Ali of Ranipukur village in Mithapukur upazila shared how lemon farming has helped them achieve financial independence.