5 days ago
Early monsoon hits lemon farmers in Andhra Pradesh, prices plummet drastically
Vijayawada: Lemon farmers across Andhra Pradesh, especially in Eluru, West Godavari, and Konaseema districts, are facing severe financial distress due to the early onset of the southwest monsoon.
The sudden weather shift brought down temperatures and increased rainfall, resulting in a drastic fall in the market demand for lemons—a summer staple.
Traditionally, summer is a profitable season for lemon farmers. Due to high temperatures and low water availability, lemon yield is usually limited, pushing prices up. This year, prices touched Rs 100 per kg in May. As recently as May 12, the wholesale rate in Eluru's lemon market stood at Rs 95 per kg.
Encouraged by consistent high prices for the past 18 months, many farmers opted to grow lemons as an intercrop alongside coconut plantations.
However, with the early arrival of rains and a sudden drop in temperatures, demand for lemons—used widely in summer beverages—plummeted. Simultaneously, the unseasonal rains led to an unexpected bumper crop, flooding the markets with supply. As a result, prices crashed to Rs 20 per kg by June 1, pushing farmers into heavy losses.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Thutika Ramarao, a farmer from Unguturu in Eluru district, shared his concerns: "We put in a lot of effort to grow lemons during summer expecting good returns. But now, while it costs us around Rs 13 per kg to harvest and transport, the market price is just Rs 20. We are running into losses."
Adding to their woes, farmers allege that traders in the Eluru market are forming cartels to lower prices, despite the lemons being exported to several states. They are urging the govt to ensure fair pricing, monitor middlemen, and provide direct export opportunities to farmers.
