The Assam Government on February 13 declared ‘Kaji Nemu’ as the ‘State Fruit’. Agriculture Minister Atul Bora made the announcement on the floor of Assam Legislative Assembly during the Budget session. Bora said that Kaji Nemu, found only in Assam and certain parts of the North East, was chosen as the State Fruit after a Cabinet meeting held on February 12.
Kaji Nemu, also known scientifically as Citrus limon, stands out from the ordinary lemon with its oval shape, distinct aroma, and exceptional juiciness. Awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019, this fruit holds deep cultural significance in Assam and other parts of North East of India. The State Agriculture Minister said that after getting the GI tag, Kaji Nemu has grabbed the attention of people around the globe, and demand for it has also increased.
Mr Bora said that ‘Kaji Nemu’ is being commercially grown in the State while being exported, too. “Commercial plantation of the Kaji Nemu is being done in some areas of the State. There are about 15.90 hectares of land under its cultivation, with the production figure standing at 1.58 metric tonnes. In the last two years, this fruit has been exported to London and several countries in the Middle East,” said the Minister.
Mr Bora said that “cultural and traditional significance”, its juicy features, aromatic flavour with “immense nutritional value” were taken into consideration before finalising it as ‘State’s Fruit’. He said that after this declaration, the fruit would draw added attention among national and international buyers, and hoped that demand for it would go up in the days to come.
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted on the development, saying, “With its unique aroma and antioxidant properties, Assam lemon has enriched our local cuisines. With today’s announcement, it is set to shine on the global food map, boosting self-dependency and production.”
In the State, Kaji Nemu is widely used in traditional dishes like fish curries, pickles, chutneys, and refreshing beverages. The juice of Kaji Nemu is often extracted and used as an agent in recipes. Additionally, it is used for its medicinal properties and is believed to aid digestion and provide relief from common ailments.
The Kaji Nemu is an indigenous variety of lemon and has been a staple of every Assamese household. The taste of the lemon is such that people don’t even waste the rind or leaves.
The announcement made by the State Agriculture Minister has elated Kaji Nemu farmers across the State. Manash Pratim Kalita, CEO of Nilachal Agro Producer Company, Salbari in Baksa district, while reacting to the announcement said, “It will generate enthusiasm among youths in areas where Kaji Nemu grows. This will encourage farmers to take it up on a commercial basis. To create better markets for Kaji Nemu, we will have to focus on its value addition. Government agencies associated with Agri-Horti growth should take measures for Kaji Nemu’s value addition plan,” suggested Kalita.
His company has been exporting lemon to European markets and in Middle East countries with support from the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development and Authority (APEDA).
Himanta Dutta, a ‘Kaji Nemu’ farmer of Mancotta area in Dibrugarh district said that demand for the product has already seen an upward trend in recent times.
