19 January
With the yield of lemons high in Kya-in-seikkyi Township, Kawkareik District, Kayin State, local farmers are growing the fruit on a commercial scale.
The grafting of lemon trees costs between K500 and K1,000. Some local farmers grow lemons by grafting, while some sow seeds.
Grafted lemon trees blossom after three years. Lemon trees grown from seeds blossom after five or six years.
Earlier, local farmers grew lemon trees using traditional cultivation methods. With the development of cultivation technology, people are growing lemon trees systematically by using fertilizers and watering as they can make a handsome profit.
Lime, a small citrus fruit, is fresher and more fragrant than lemon. It has light green flesh and is approximately 6 cm in size. Lime is also used as an ingredient in cooking, and when used in drinks and sauces, it creates a fresh and “zingy” taste.
Lime plants can be seen throughout the country. The fruits grown in Kya-in-Seikkyi Township are often sent to nearby markets. Also, lime is sought after by the public as it helps in weight loss and increases immunity from diseases.
Although lemon production is high in the monsoon season, local farmers receive just K10 or K15 per fruit as they cannot make value-added products.
This summer, lemon prices ranged between K80-K100 per fruit although growers used fertilizers and watering. So, local farmers are happy with the good profits.
Lemons from Kya-in-Seikkyi Township are usually sent to Mawlamyine, Mon state through the depot.—Ko Myo (Zamimyat) (Translated by Hay Mar)
