Rising temperatures push lemon prices higher in Maharashtra

The rising summer temperatures across Maharashtra, India, have led to a sharp spike in lemon prices. Retail costs have now climbed to ₹8 to ₹10 per lemon ($0.092 to $0.115), making them a more expensive purchase for consumers.

According to Indian media, this price increase is primarily due to a surge in demand from juice vendors, sherbet sellers, and households seeking relief from the heat. Lemons are mainly grown in regions like Barshi (Solapur district) and Rashin (Ahilyanagar district). A month ago, wholesale markets received about 2,500 sacks of lemons daily from these areas, but recent arrivals have decreased to 1,500 – 1,600 sacks per day. Each sack contains between 300 and 400 lemons, depending on size.​

The cultivation of lemons requires substantial water, and ongoing water shortages due to extreme heat have adversely affected production. As summer continues, demand for lemons is expected to rise further, especially among juice vendors and cold drink sellers.​

To address the shortfall, farmers from Hyderabad and Chennai have begun supplying lemons to Maharashtra's wholesale markets, aiming to benefit from higher prices. Each summer, southern Indian states send lemons to cities like Mumbai and Pune to meet the increased demand.​

With temperatures still climbing, lemon prices may continue their upward trend, making this fruit a more expensive purchase for many consumers.

source: thebridgechronicle.com

photo: indiamart.com