Lemon prices surge to ₹220/kg at Puliyangudi market amid heat-hit arrivals
The prices of lemons rose sharply at the Puliyangudi lemon market in Tenkasi district on Monday, with the price of the citric fruit touching ₹220 a kg. The steep increase has raised concerns among households and small food businesses, for whom lemons are a daily-use commodity.
According to traders, first-grade lemons sold for ₹180 a kg, while second-grade lemons were priced at ₹140 a kg. Vangu lemons fetched ₹100 a kg, and laatu lemons were sold at ₹30 a kg. The wide variation in rates reflects differences in size, quality and variety across the produce brought to the market.
Farmers from more than 10 villages around Puliyangudi bring their produce to the market for sale. Puliyangudi and its surrounding areas are known for lemon cultivation, and the local market serves as an important trading centre for growers in the region.
Traders said the prevailing intense heat had affected lemon yield and arrivals at the market, pushing up prices. Reduced supply at a time when demand remains steady has tightened availability, allowing rates to climb sharply. They added that continued adverse weather could keep arrivals low in the coming days, potentially sustaining the upward pressure on prices.
