Despite High Demand, Intense Heat Hits Lemon Yield

WHILE soaring temperature across North India has sharply increased the demand for lemon, farmers and traders in the erstwhile undivided Nellore district are grappling with a significant decline in the crop yield.

- D Surendra Kumar @Nellore

In the first week of April, lemon prices peaked at ₹60,000 per tonne, typically considered lucrative for growers. Every day, more than 20 truckloads of lemons are being exported on an average from major markets like Podalakur and Gudur, with similar shipments flowing from Tenali, Eluru and Rajahmundry markets, along with various small markets in Rayalaseema region. However, market sources reveal that lemon exports have drastically come down over the past few days.