Kadapa: Sweet lime (mosambi) prices in Kadapa district have surged to Rs 1 lakh per tonne, the highest level recorded in the past three years, according to market officials.
Traders at the Pulivendula market said produce arriving from various mandals fetched up to Rs 1 lakh per tonne on Saturday, compared to Rs 18,000-Rs 25,000 per tonne four months ago. The previous high was recorded in 2022, when prices touched Rs 1.10 lakh per tonne.
Market experts attributed the sharp rise to extreme temperatures and lower-than-expected yields this season. Sweet lime trader Shameer Basha said superior-quality produce could fetch up to Rs 1.05 lakh per tonne as demand remained strong.
The rise in prices has altered market dynamics, with traders approaching farmers directly to secure produce. Farmers said traders had been visiting orchards and negotiating purchases over the past week, reflecting the intensity of demand.
Sweet lime is cultivated on nearly 25,000 hectares across Kadapa district. Farmers expressed satisfaction over the prevailing prices, saying the current market trend was encouraging.
S. Shiva Nagi Reddy, a farmer from Lingala mandal, said the rates were providing a positive return to growers after a challenging period.
Horticulture officials in Pulivendula said prices could increase further in the coming weeks due to supply constraints and sustained demand.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
