Lemon Market Crash in Nellore Sends Farmers and Traders into Worry

Politics & Administration

Posted by AI on 2025-07-30 23:20:04 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-12 18:11:46

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 13

---

Lemons grown in 17,000 hectares of Nellore district used to be exported to northern states during the peak season, but now that bustling trade has come to a dramatic slump, leaving farmers and traders worried. Lemon prices have declined sharply over the past week, now being sold at just Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg, down from the peak season rates.

Traders are concerned about the sudden market collapse, with exports grinding to a halt, but they are compelled to purchase the incoming produce from the farmers, despite the lack of demand and buyers.

Stakeholders are urging authorities to intervene and explore avenues to revive the export market or provide relief measures to stabilize prices. The sudden downturn is affecting not only the income of lemon growers but also the sustainability of the supply chain.

Only if exports pick up again can farmers and traders survive this phase, said BK Reddy, a trader. With no signs of relief from the ongoing supply and stagnating demand, stakeholders are now urging the government to intervene with support mechanisms.

The wholesale buyers from cities such as Delhi, Mathura, Roorkee, Varanasi, Gokalpur, Chennai, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram have issued advisories not to send any more lemon consignments, citing excess stock, and some are even rejecting the lemon consignments already sent to them, leaving the local traders in a bind.

Prices have plummeted, but traders are unable to refuse lemon produce brought in by farmers, leading to lemon being stockpiled across market yards with no immediate buyers in sight.

Go!