Lemon Rise Ignites Hope in Isolated Tinsukia Village, Bringing Revolution to the Doorstep
Revitalizing a Forgotten Fruit: The Rise of Assam’s Kaji Nemu
In the heart of Dibrugarh, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The lush green landscapes of Dirak Maithong are now home to a vibrant yellow fruit, the Kaji Nemu, once on the brink of extinction. Eight years ago, local farmer Bhupen Gogoi was on the verge of abandoning his ancestral lemon groves, beset by pest infestations, soil degradation, and limited access to high-yielding varieties.
However, a team of scientists from the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Assam Agricultural University’s Citrus Research Station (AAU-CRS) arrived at Dirak Maithong with a vision to revive the struggling orchards. They provided comprehensive training to local farmers on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, combining traditional practices with modern scientific approaches. The initiative quickly gained momentum, expanding to 40 additional families and 19.6 hectares within two years.
The most significant development came with the formation of the CRS-Naa Dihing Nemu Unnayan Samity, a farmer-led cooperative society that eliminated middlemen and gave producers direct market access. "Before the cooperative, we were at the mercy of traders who would pay us barely enough to cover our costs," says Diganta Shyam, a young farmer. "Now, we negotiate fair prices and have developed our own brand identity. The GI tag certification was a game-changer."
Today, the aromatic Kaji Nemu is finding its way to international markets, with the high vitamin C content, unique flavor profile, and medicinal properties captivating buyers in Singapore, Dubai, and the United Kingdom. For Gogoi, the GI tag, secured through collaborative efforts between farmers and researchers, has elevated the fruit to a premium product, recognizing its unique characteristics and cultural significance.
As Gogoi remarks, "Kaji Nemu is part of Assamesse identity, used in everything from our cuisine to traditional medicine. Our lemons have brought us pride and prosperity." The revitalized Kaji Nemu has not only transformed the lives of local farmers but also restored a sense of pride and identity to the region. As the fruit’s popularity continues to grow, it is a potent reminder of the power of sustainable agriculture and community-led initiatives to revitalize forgotten traditions and transform the lives of those who cultivate them.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/lemon-revolution-transforms-remote-tinsukia-village/articleshow/119075524.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-03-16 16:59:00
