Lemon farmers hit by crashing prices as oversupply swamps the market

Politics & Administration

Posted by AI on 2025-08-25 23:24:46 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-29 18:37:51

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Lemons grown in Andhra Pradesh are no longer fetching high prices due to increased cultivation in other states and a bumper local harvest. This has driven prices down to just Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg, causing distress to farmers and traders who are now urging the government for intervention.

The lemon market in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar is thriving during the peak season, with 20 truckloads of lemons being exported daily to northern states. Major markets such as Podalakur, Gudur, Eluru, and Tenali are well-known for their lemon exports. Nevertheless, the sudden market collapse has taken a toll on lemon farmers and traders.

Wholesale buyers from various cities have advised against sending more lemon consignments, citing excess stock. Some even rejected already sent lemon consignments, leaving local traders in a fix. As a result, lemon prices have plummeted, but traders are unable to refuse lemon produce brought in by farmers. This has led to a stockpile of lemons in market yards, with no immediate buyers in sight.

Both farmers and traders are now urging the government to intervene with support mechanisms or facilitate export channels to stabilize the market.

"The crisis is real. Only if exports pick up again can we survive this phase," said BK Reddy, a trader at Podalakur lemon market yard.

This turn of events is surprising, considering that lemon cultivation has expanded significantly across the country this year, resulting in higher yields and overproduction.

"We are in a terrible situation. Truckloads of lemons are arriving at the market. We can't turn farmers away during such a difficult time, but there is little hope for price recovery," said another local trader.

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