20 hrs ago
Lemon Prices Hit Rs 16,000 as Farmers Face Shortages
Lemons are selling for a very high price in Nellore district.
An 80-kilogram bag costs as much as Rs 16,000.
However, farmers are not earning as much as the price suggests because their trees have produced little fruit.
Less rain and reduced fruiting have lowered the supply of lemons.
Demand has also increased because of festivals.
Some farmers are selling even unripe lemons because buyers want more fruit.
Nellore grows lemons across a large area, but its main harvest season is from January to May.
Most of its lemons are sent to markets in northern India.
Prices may increase more if there are not enough lemons before upcoming festivals.
An 80-kg bag of lemons reached Rs 16,000 at Podalakur market in Nellore district on Tuesday.
Prices have risen from Rs 10,000–Rs 12,000 two weeks ago and Rs 5,000–Rs 6,000 during previous August-September periods.
Strong demand, reduced fruiting, deficient rainfall and lower arrivals have driven the increase.
Many farmers have little fruit to sell, with some reportedly selling immature lemons.
Prices could rise further before Vinayaka Chavithi and Dasara if supplies remain restricted.
- Who
- Lemon farmers, traders represented by the Podalakur Lemon Merchants Association, and horticulture officials in Nellore district.
- What
- The price of an 80-kg bag of lemons has risen to Rs 16,000 while available supplies remain limited.
- Where
- The Podalakur market in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
- When
- The price reached this level on Tuesday; the article discusses August-September prices and possible increases before Vinayaka Chavithi and Dasara.
- Why
- Reduced fruiting, deficient rainfall, fewer arrivals and increased festival demand have pushed prices higher.
Key facts
- Current price
- Rs 16,000 for an 80-kg bag at Podalakur market
- Recent price
- Rs 10,000–Rs 12,000 two weeks earlier
- Previous seasonal price
- Rs 5,000–Rs 6,000 during August-September
- Cultivation area
- More than 16,000 hectares in Nellore district
- Annual yield
- 2.43 lakh tonnes, according to the Horticulture department
- Main marketing season
- January 15 to May-end
- Northern shipments
- Nearly 80% of harvested lemons are sent to northern markets
Sources
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