The demand for lemons has skyrocketed across Bangladesh during Ramadan, leading to soaring prices in the market. This surge has significantly benefited farmers in Tangail, where the soil is highly suitable for lemon cultivation, according to agricultural experts.

This season, lemon farming has covered 2,035 hectares across five upazilas in Tangail—Delduar, Mirzapur, Sakhipur, Ghatail, and Madhupur— with a production target of 23,500 metric tons. Visiting these areas reveals vast lemon orchards, with trees laden with lemons of various sizes. Due to the superior taste of Tangail’s lemons, they are in high demand in Dhaka and other districts, especially during Ramadan, when prices are at a premium.

Farmers note that lemon cultivation requires minimal maintenance, with fewer concerns about pests or diseases. Unlike other crops, lemon trees continue to bear fruit for several years. Many farmers, particularly in Delduar’s Lauhati and Fafilhati areas, have shifted from paddy to lemon farming, finding it more profitable. Nearly every household in these areas has a lemon orchard, significantly improving their economic stability.

Typically, lemons are harvested during the monsoon season when supply is high and prices are low. However, in the dry season, production naturally decreases, and only farmers who take extra care of their trees manage to maintain a supply. The surge in demand during Ramadan has pushed prices up, with larger lemons now selling for BDT 20-25 each, compared to BDT 8-10 previously. In retail markets, a set of four lemons costs between BDT 60-100, depending on quality.

Local farmer Mostafa Kamal explained that while paddy farming involves high costs with limited profit margins, lemon farming is far more economical. Once an orchard is established, it requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional fertilization, making it a preferred choice over rice cultivation. Similarly, farmer Abul Hossain confirmed that lemon prices rise every Ramadan, ensuring profitability, while even during other times of the year, losses are rare.

According to Ashiq Parvez, Deputy Director of the Tangail Agricultural Extension Department, authorities are actively encouraging farmers to cultivate lemons through various training programs. With the region’s ideal soil and climate, he believes that, with government support, locally grown lemons could even be exported internationally.