Lemon Farmers' Sour Plight: A Bitter Harvest in Nellore

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-10-02 16:06:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-18 16:15:24

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The lemon groves of Nellore, a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, are usually a vibrant sight, with lush green trees bearing bright yellow fruit. But this year, the scene is far from cheerful. Farmers are facing a bitter harvest as they grapple with a significant drop in lemon prices, leaving them with a surplus of unsold produce and mounting financial losses.

The issue has sparked concern among farmers, who are now struggling to make ends meet. The price of lemons has plummeted to a mere 200 rupees per 40 kilograms, a stark contrast to the 1,200 rupees they could fetch in previous years. This drastic decrease has left farmers in a state of distress, with many unable to even recover their production costs. The situation is particularly dire for those who took loans to invest in their lemon crops, now facing the daunting task of repayment with minimal returns.

Adding to their woes, transportation costs have become a significant burden. With the nearest market being 100 kilometers away, farmers are forced to spend 1,500 rupees per trip to transport their produce, a cost that further eats into their already slim profits. The lack of local markets and the high transportation costs have created a perfect storm, leaving farmers with few options and a sense of desperation.

As the farmers' plight continues, the need for immediate attention and support from the government and agricultural authorities is evident. The situation in Nellore serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by India's agricultural sector and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to ensure the livelihood and prosperity of its farmers.

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