ABSTRACT

This study focuses on acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle), a vital crop in India known for its high vitamin C content and economic significance. It examines the cultivation practices, utilization, post-harvest practices, and market dynamics of acid lime in Vijayapura district, Karnataka, during 2023-24. The research highlights the potential of acid lime peels, rich in beneficial compounds, and explores their commercial applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 300 households, 150 acid lime growers, 125 shopkeepers, and 25 entrepreneurs across five high-production talukas. The findings highlights significant rural-urban disparities in demographic characteristics, education, and economic activities. Rural households demonstrate higher illiteracy rates and mainly rely on self-cultivation for household consumption, utilizing traditional storage methods. In contrast, urban households show a preference for purchasing limes, particularly for juice production, and favor light green fruits based on colour and aroma. Post-harvest practices reveal that rural growers use jute bags and hired transport, while urban growers prefer plastic bags and personal vehicles. Common challenges for both groups include low keeping quality, storage limitations, and price fluctuations, with urban growers facing greater seasonal price variations. Young, educated entrepreneurs source limes directly from farmers but encounter capital constraints and marketing challenges. Shopkeepers in Vijayapur's acid lime market are mainly young, educated, and engaged in retail, sourcing products through middlemen and wholesalers. Key challenges include product perishability, storage issues, and market competition This research emphasizes enhancing post-harvest practices, improving infrastructure, and fostering entrepreneurship to increase the sustainability and profitability of the acid lime industry. Tailored interventions are essential to address the unique challenges faced by rural and urban stakeholders, ultimately contributing to better utilization and commercialization of acid lime products in the region.