Acid lime farmers in Pudukkottai face price slump during winter
The Hindu
Farmers in Pudukottai district face challenges as acid lime prices drop sharply, urging government intervention for support.
A steep drop in the price of acid limes has left farmers in Pudukottai district concerned. Acid lime is cultivated on approximately 280 hectares in the district, with large-scale cultivation concentrated in areas such as Alangudi, Kothamangalam, Vadakadu, Avanam, Kaikatti, Maramadakki, Veppanakkadu, and Neduvasal. While last year brought good prices for acid limes, farmers are now grappling with a sharp decline in rates due to the cold weather.
During the summer of last year, acid limes fetched as much as ₹120 per kilogram. However, over the past month, prices have plummeted to just ₹20 per kilogram, leaving farmers struggling to recover their investment costs.
Baskaran V, an acid lime farmer from Kothamangalam, shared his concerns: “Every year, acid lime farmers suffer during December and January due to the cold weather. Both internal and export demand drops during this period, leaving us to bear significant losses. At least a price of ₹40 per kilogram is necessary to sustain our investment. We urge the government to come up with a long-term solution to support acid lime farmers during winter.”
“It is typical for acid lime prices to decline during the winter months. However, with acid lime becoming an integral part of daily consumption, the department is working on initiatives to link farmers with potential buyers, including exporters and domestic stakeholders, to stabilise prices and provide better market opportunities,” said a senior official from the Horticulture Department.
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