Luck smiles on lemon farmers

Luck smiles on lemon farmers
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Highlights

Lady Luck seems to be smiling on lemon farmers as the prices of the citrus fruit are on rise at the Eluru market though there is a marginal decline in its output this season. The West Godavari district headquarters town is the biggest market for lemon in the country as Guntur for chilli. 

Eluru: Lady Luck seems to be smiling on lemon farmers as the prices of the citrus fruit are on rise at the Eluru market though there is a marginal decline in its output this season. The West Godavari district headquarters town is the biggest market for lemon in the country as Guntur for chilli.

  • Eluru alone does worth Rs 10 crore business per day
  • Brings hopes to hundreds of workers during peak season

Lemon is widely grown in Pedavegi, Denduluru, Nallajerla, Dwaraka Tirumala, Kamavarapukota, Lingapalem and other upland mandals of the district. As it is the boom time for lemon market, tenant farmers are ready to pay Rs 1 lakh per acre to take the citrus fruit orchards on lease.

Many truck loaded with lemons arrive at Eluru market from East Godavari, Krishna, Prakasam and Nalgonda districts every day. On an average, about 50 truckloads of lemon are exported to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala from Eluru market a day during the season.

It does business worth Rs 10 crore a day during the peak season from March to June. Hundreds of workers are dependent on the lemon market directly and indirectly for their livelihood. Speaking to The Hans India, West Godavari Lemon Association leader Chakrapani said, “Eluru lemon market tops in the country in volume of business.

Though there is a decline in the lemon output this season compared to last year, the increase in demand for the citrus fruit in summer helps to ensure a better price to farmers for their produce.” Satyanarayana, a lemon farmer of Lingapalem, said, “We are hopeful of reaping good profits this season as the lemon market is witnessing an upward trend.”

Lakshmaiah Choudary, a lemon farmer of Pedavegi is also optimistic of good returns. Commission agents are also feeling happy. Rambabu, a long time commission agent at Eluru market said, “The upward trend in the prices of lemon is likely to continue till the end of the season much to the delight of traders, commission agents and farmers.”

Chandra Rao, a hamali maistry said, “About 300 hamalis are working at Eluru market in handling, loading and unloading of fruits. The lemon market generates indirect employment to about 1,000 workers in the area. On an average, a hamali earns Rs 1,000 a day during the peak season.”

A number of women workers are also engaged in loading and unloading operations and grading of the fruit. Jyothi, a worker said, “I earn Rs 300 to Rs 500 a day during the season, which is helpful to augment my family income.”

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