India Lime Market Analysis
The India Lime Market size is estimated at USD 4.65 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 5.52 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The lime market in India has been experiencing robust growth, driven by its extensive use in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Limes and lemons are staple ingredients in Indian households, valued for their culinary, medicinal, and health benefits. The growing awareness of their nutritional value, particularly their high vitamin C content, has further increased demand. India's favorable climate and abundant cultivation areas have positioned the country as one of the leading producers of limes globally.
India's lime production is concentrated in states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, contributing almost 80% of Indian lime production, which offer ideal climatic conditions for cultivation, according to the National Horticultural Board. With rising demand, farmers are increasingly adopting modern farming techniques and high-yielding varieties to boost production. According to FAOSTATS data, lime production in 2023 reached 3.78 million metric tons, up from 3.77 million metric tons in 2022, meeting both domestic and export needs. Government initiatives to promote agricultural production and exports have further supported this trend, enhancing India's presence in international markets. For instance, in October 2022, the Punjab government announced the creation of horticulture estates in four districts - Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Faridkot, and Ludhiana - focusing on crops like citrus fruits, including limes. This initiative aimed at providing farmers with technological support, machinery, and training to produce high-quality fruits while reducing production costs.
India's limes have significant demand worldwide, particularly in markets across the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. According to the ITC trade map, in 2023, India exported approximately 11 thousand metric tons of lime, with Nepal and the United Arab Emirates being the major importing countries, holding value shares of 62.1% and 21.5% respectively. The increasing global demand for fresh and processed lime products, such as lime juice and essential oils, has created lucrative opportunities for Indian exporters.
The increasing demand for fruits and natural beverage ingredients has significantly boosted lime consumption. Lime-based drinks like nimbu pani, lemon tea, and various flavored beverages are particularly popular during India's summer months. The beverage industry's shift toward natural and health-focused products has further increased lime usage in juice concentrates and energy drinks. The pharmaceutical sector widely uses limes and lemons for their antioxidant and immunity-boosting properties. They are also essential ingredients in skincare and cosmetic products due to their natural astringent and brightening properties.
India Lime Market Trends
Growing Demand in the Food and Beverage Industry
The growing demand for limes and lemons in the Indian food and beverage industry drives market growth. These citrus fruits are essential ingredients in culinary and beverage products due to their tangy flavor, refreshing aroma, and health benefits. In Indian cuisine, limes and lemons are fundamental components in chutneys, pickles, and marinades, and as natural flavor enhancers. Their applications have expanded to modern culinary trends, including fusion foods and gourmet recipes, increasing their demand in domestic and international markets. In December 2023, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) approved One District One Product (ODOP) for 713 districts of 35 States and UTs under the PMFME Scheme, which includes lime products in districts of Karnataka and Jharkhand.
The beverage sector shows increasing demand for lime and lemon-based products. Consumer preference for natural and healthy drinks has led to innovations in lemon-flavored beverages, including soft drinks, lemonades, energy drinks, and infused water. Lime and lemon juice are common ingredients in detox drinks, herbal teas, and immunity-boosting beverages. The growth of mixology and cocktail culture has increased the demand for fresh limes and lime extracts in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
India's expanding food processing and packaged goods industries contribute to lime and lemon demand. These fruits serve as natural preservatives in packaged foods, sauces, and ready-to-eat meals due to their antimicrobial properties. They are also used in jams, jellies, and fruit concentrates to meet urban demand for convenient and shelf-stable products. Furthermore, government support strengthens the processing industry. In February 2023, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana received an allocation of INR 4600 crore (USD 533.6 million) until March 31, 2026, implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
The country's production capacity creates opportunities for exporters. Global demand for Indian flavors and natural ingredients has increased in international markets. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India ranks as the world's second-largest producer of vegetables and fruits and leads in lime and lemon production. FAOSTATS data shows high lime production in India (3.78) in 2023, followed by Mexico (3.24), Turkey (2.32), Argentina (1.99), the United States (1.01), and South Africa (0.81) in terms of million metric tons.
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Favorable Climate and Growing Production and Export Capacity
The suitable climate and growing production capacity are key factors driving the lime and lemon market in India. India's tropical and subtropical climate provides optimal conditions for cultivating citrus fruits like limes and lemons, with regions such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha being major producers. The availability of fertile soil, along with favorable weather conditions including abundant sunshine and moderate rainfall, positions India as one of the largest producers of citrus fruits globally.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India produced approximately 14.6 million metric tons of citrus fruits in 2023, with limes and lemons accounting for 25.9%. The growing demand has led to expanded cultivation areas, contributing to increased supply and market stability. FAOSTATS data indicates that lime production in 2023 reached 3.78 million metric tons. Furthermore, according to ITC Trade Maps, India's lime exports were 1.84 million metric tons during October-December 2023, increased to 1.95 million metric tons during January-March 2024, and further rose to 2.48 million metric tons during April-June 2024. This production and export growth has enhanced market competitiveness, creating opportunities in both domestic and international markets.
Government initiatives and subsidies support lime and lemon cultivation. The Indian government has implemented programs to enhance agricultural productivity, improve quality standards, and increase farmers' income. The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) provide financial assistance and subsidies to farmers for modern irrigation techniques, crop yield enhancement, and lime quality improvement. These programs increase production and help lime growers to address irrigation-related challenges.
The government's focus on horticultural crops has introduced new farming techniques, including high-density planting and grafted plants, improving productivity. Better disease management practices and integrated pest control have resulted in healthier and more abundant lime and lemon crops. State-specific schemes, including subsidies for post-harvest infrastructure such as cold storage and packhouses, benefit the lime sector. These initiatives reduce post-harvest losses and improve supply chain management.
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India Lime Market News
- December 2023: In December 2023, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) approved One District One Product (ODOP) for 713 districts of 35 States and UTs under the PMFME Scheme, which includes lime products in districts of Karnataka and Jharkhand.
- February 2023: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) allocated INR 4600 crore (USD 533.6 million) to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana program, extending through March 31, 2026. This government support strengthens the lime food processing industry.
- August 2022: The Punjab government announced the creation of horticulture estates in four districts - Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Faridkot, and Ludhiana - focusing on crops like citrus fruits, including limes. This initiative aimed at providing farmers with technological support, machinery, and training to produce high-quality fruits while reducing production costs.
India Lime Industry Segmentation
Lime is a tangy, vitamin C-rich citrus fruit widely used in cooking, beverages, and as a natural preservative. The report includes the Production (Volume), Consumption (Value and Volume), Trade in terms of Import (Value and Volume) and Export (Value and Volume), and Price Trend Analysis. The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of volume in metric tons and value in USD for all the above segments.
| India | Production Analysis |
| Consumption Analysis and Market Value | |
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Price Trend Analysis |
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India Lime Market Research FAQs
How big is the India Lime Market?
The India Lime Market size is expected to reach USD 4.65 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.5% to reach USD 5.52 billion by 2030.
What is the current India Lime Market size?
In 2025, the India Lime Market size is expected to reach USD 4.65 billion.
What years does this India Lime Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the India Lime Market size was estimated at USD 4.49 billion. The report covers the India Lime Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the India Lime Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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India Lime Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 India Lime market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceā¢ Industry Reports. India Lime analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
