Lemon farmers in the Nellore and Tirupati districts are facing a crisis as prices of their citrus crops fell sharply to below Rs 20 per kilo in the wholesale markets. This is due to several factors, including unfavorable weather conditions, a lacklustre monsoon and excessive production.
Over the past three months, lemon markets in Gudur and Podalakuru, known for exporting lemons to major cities, have experienced a downturn in business. Sources said there was a staggering drop in lemon prices. The prices fell from an all-time high of Rs 160 per kg for first-grade lemons last year to the current range of Rs 20 per kg.
Now, farmers coming to the Gudur and Podalakur markets are selling quality lemons for throwaway prices. Official sources said lemon cultivation has been undertaken by around 75,000 farmers in the dryland areas of Podalakuru, Gudur, Kaluvai, Saidapuram, Venkatagiri, Dakkili, Balayapalle, Rapur and 10 sub-districts in the joint Nellore district; these relying on borewells for irrigation.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: deccanchronicle.com