Lemon prices go through roof

Lemon juice is the best friend during summer. But the lemon prices have been going through the roof on account of decrease of area under their cultivation and due to high rainfall in the winter.
Earlier five lemons used to cost Rs 10. Now, one can get only two for Rs 10.
Annually, the area under lemon cultivation has been decreasing in Suryapeta, Bhongir-Yadadri and Nalgonda districts. The realtors are turning the lemon orchards into residential plots.
Earlier, farmers used to own lemon orchards in 50 acres. Now they have limited the area of lemon orchards to just 2-3 acres.
In undivided Nalgonda district, lemons are cultivated in 19,950 acres. The area under the crop has shrunk by more than half compared to the area under the crop four years ago.
With the decrease in yield, the prices of lemons have gone up. Taking advantage of the shortage, the traders have increased prices.
During the summer, many drink lemon juice to get respite from the sweltering heat. Weight conscious people daily drink lemon juice mixed with warm water. In view of the drop in the yield, the prices of lemon have gone up. The traders put the blame on farmers for selling lemons at higher prices near their farm gate.
During the season, the one and only lemon market at Nakrekal receive 6000-10,000 tikkis of lemons. Each tikki comprises of 25 kg. Currently, the market receiving only 1,500 tikkis. Each tikki of lemons is priced at Rs 1700 maximum. Sometimes, it fetches only the minimum price of Rs 400 a tikki.
Many of the farmers get the model price ranging between Rs 700-800 a tikki. Currently, most of the lemons are being exported to Delhi from the region.