Lemon Prices – Gudur Market Sees Sharp Rise as Heat and Low Rainfall Cut Supply
Lemon Prices –The price of lemons has increased significantly at the well-known Gudur lemon market, one of India’s largest wholesale centres for the fruit, as prolonged heat, below-average rainfall and seasonal demand have tightened supplies. Traders say the recent surge has been driven by lower arrivals, while demand has remained strong during the Hindu month of Ashada. Market participants also expect prices to remain firm or move higher as the Shravana season approaches.
Weather Conditions Reduce Production
According to traders and growers, this year’s extreme temperatures and dry weather have affected lemon orchards, leading to reduced production across several cultivation areas. The lower harvest has limited the availability of high-quality fruit in the wholesale market, creating an imbalance between supply and demand.
As a result, buyers are competing for whatever quality produce reaches the market each day. Even smaller-sized and partially matured lemons are finding buyers because of the shortage of premium-grade fruit.
Wholesale and Retail Rates Move Higher
Wholesale prices in the Gudur market are now ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 70 per kilogram, while premium-quality lemons are selling for up to Rs 75 per kilogram. In retail markets, consumers are paying as much as Rs 120 per kilogram for better-quality fruit.
The price of a 50-kilogram bag has also increased substantially. Depending on size and quality, bags are currently trading between Rs 1,250 and Rs 3,500. Only a few days earlier, wholesale prices generally ranged from Rs 20 to Rs 50 per kilogram, while a 50-kilogram bag was available for around Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,500.
Gudur Continues to Supply Major Indian Cities
The Gudur lemon market plays a major role in supplying fruit to several large consumption centres across the country. Shipments from the market regularly reach cities including New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Gaya, Patna, Ranchi, Chennai and Coimbatore.
Because of its extensive distribution network, changes in prices at Gudur often influence lemon rates in several regional markets across India.
Demand Expected to Stay Strong
Wholesale traders believe seasonal buying has further strengthened the market. Lemon consumption traditionally rises during Ashada for household use, food preparation and religious activities. With Shravana set to begin soon, many traders expect purchasing activity to increase further.
One wholesale trader at the Gudur market said that unusually high temperatures combined with poor rainfall had reduced production this season. He noted that only limited quantities of quality lemons were reaching the market, while demand continued to remain much higher than supply, pushing prices upward.
Another trader said seasonal demand typically increases during Ashada and generally remains strong during Shravana as well. He added that unless fresh arrivals improve in the coming weeks, wholesale and retail prices are likely to witness another round of increases.
Market Outlook Depends on Fresh Arrivals
Industry participants believe the direction of lemon prices over the next few weeks will largely depend on weather conditions and the volume of fresh arrivals from producing regions. If rainfall improves and orchards begin supplying larger quantities, prices could stabilise. However, if production continues to remain below expectations, consumers may have to deal with elevated prices for a longer period.
For now, limited availability and sustained seasonal demand continue to support higher prices in one of India’s most important lemon trading markets.