Tamil Nadu: Lemon prices hit Rs 200 a kg, consumers feel the pinch

TENKASI: A lemon that cost Rs 20-Rs 30 per kg just two to three months ago is now selling for Rs 170-Rs 200 in Puliyankudi, the hub that contributes a large chunk of the supply, with individual fruits priced at Rs 10-Rs 12 depending on quality. The sharp rise has brought relief to farmers but higher costs for consumers.

The increase has been driven by rising demand amid the heat and falling arrivals after strong winds caused lemons to drop from plants, traders said.

For farmers in and around Puliyankudi, the price rise marks a turnaround after months of poor returns. Lemons had been selling for just Rs 20-Rs 30 a kg two to three months ago, leaving growers struggling to recover their costs.

Lemons are cultivated across thousands of acres in Puliyankudi, Vasudevanallur, Kadayanallur, Chokkampatti, Punnaiyapuram, Singilipatti and Kumanthapuram in Tenkasi district. The produce is brought to the Puliyankudi market and sent to Kerala and various districts in Tamil Nadu.

Around 15 to 20 tonnes of lemons are sent from the region for sale every day.

The current price of Rs 170-Rs 200 per kg has been welcomed by farmers and traders. However, the rise is also being felt by consumers, with individual lemons now costing Rs 10-12 depending on quality.

Traders expect demand to increase further with a series of auspicious occasions, Amman temple festivals and the upcoming Onam celebrations in Kerala. They said lemon prices could rise further in the coming days.

Farmers and traders have urged the government to establish industries in the region to manufacture value-added products from lemons. They said this could help protect growers from sharp price fluctuations and provide an alternative market when prices fall.