Gulf returnee grows organic lemon instead of rubber in Kerala, earns nearly Rs 13 lakh during peak season

After spending nearly three decades working in the Gulf, Rajan Mathew returned to Kerala with a new business idea one that would replace the rubber trees on his family land with lemon trees. What began as an experiment during the Covid-19 pandemic has grown into an organic farming venture producing tonnes of lemons each year. Based in Vilakkudy village near Punalur in Kollam district, Mathew now cultivates lemons on 0.8 acres, selling the fruit directly to customers for as much as Rs 260 per kilogram during peak demand, according to 30Stades.

Why Did He Replace Rubber With Lemons?

Mathew’s decision was driven by the economics of farming. Rubber cultivation had become less attractive because of declining returns and high production costs. Meanwhile, Kerala continued to depend heavily on lemons brought in from neighbouring Tamil Nadu. During the pandemic, he noticed prices rising and wondered why the fruit could not be grown locally. “I wondered why we couldn't grow them here,” Mathew told 30Stades. He began planting lemon saplings before permanently returning from the Gulf in 2022. He planted around 140 saplings, but later reduced the number to about 100, to allow the trees more room to grow.

100 Trees Produce About Five Tons Of Lemons

Mathew now grows different types of lemons. These include Ganapathi lemons that are used in religious rituals and Assam varieties, like Kaji Nimu, which can fruit all round the year. 30Stades says a mature tree can produce around 50 kilograms of lemons a year. With approximately 100 trees, the orchard can produce about 5,000 kilograms a year. He uses organic inputs such as Jeevamrut and fish amino acid to support plant growth and soil health. The farm also has organic certification, according to his account.


Rather than relying entirely on wholesale traders, Mathew sells his harvest through his own retail outlet and accepts bulk orders for weddings and other functions. Such events can require 1,000 to 1,500 lemons at a time. He has also started selling saplings, creating another source of income from his experience with lemon cultivation.

Kerala Farmers Are Looking Beyond Rubber

Mathew’s decision reflects a wider shift among some farmers in Kerala. A September 2025 report by Scroll, republishing reporting from Mongabay, found that rubber growers were increasingly experimenting with crops such as rambutan, dragon fruit, avocado and mangosteen as they searched for better returns. The report also flagged key risks such as shifting weather, water needs, supply chain challenges and uncertainty around long-term profitability. Experts cautioned that replacing one monoculture with another could create environmental problems.

Mathew’s lemon business has found a market through direct sales and good local demand. His story is a case in point of how identifying an unmet need among consumers and local farms can result in a different approach to farming. His orchard may be less than an acre in size, but it is a tangible example of how returning expatriates can use their experience and local opportunities to develop a new livelihood at home.