In Tamil Nadu, acid lime is cultivated both under rain fed and irrigated conditions in the districts of Dindigul, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Ramnad, Madurai, Tiruchi, Tuticorin and Theni in an area of 9082 ha with a productivity of 3010 kg/ha. Tirunelveli District ranks first in the cultivation of acid lime with an area of 2788 ha and with a productivity of 2760 kg/ha. The major area of cultivation of acid lime in Tirunelveli District is in Sivagiri, Sankarankovil, Vasudevanallur, Tenkasi, Kadayanallur and Kadayam blocks.
Owing to the importance of this crop in this district, a separate research station exclusively for taking up in depth research on acid lime was established at Vannikonenthal village of Sankarankoil taluk with a total area of 21.05 ha. Besides, research , farm advisory services are also being provided regularly for those farmers who used to come over in person to this office every now and then. The field problems of farmers are being addressed by way of field visit as and when required. Quality planting materials of acid lime are also made avialble for the benefit of farmers. The major mandates of this research station are
- Supply of quality planting material of high yielding varieties developed from various research institutes including TNAU
- To devise new technologies for planting, nutrient and water management, pest and disease management etc.
- To provide industrial and marketing support for profitable farming of acid lime
- To provide training and imparting information on profitable citrus culture to farmers