In the past month, the price of lemons has surged by more than 150 percent, now ranging between Rs 1000-1100 per kilogram, driven by the soaring summer demand. This rapid increase comes as a setback for consumers who rely on this citrus fruit to enrich the flavor of their dishes and as a crucial component in homemade remedies.
Merely a month ago, lemons were obtainable in the retail market for Rs 200-300 per kilogram. The significant escalation in prices is attributed to the intense heat, prompting individuals to utilize lemons for crafting refreshing lemonades. Nevertheless, the current elevated prices have deprived citizens of one of the most economical and healthful means to combat the summer heat. The primary lemon-growing regions in Punjab, including Sargodha, Sahiwal, Sialkot, and Multan, alongside areas in Sindh such as Sukkur, Khairpur, and Nawabshah, have witnessed scanty rainfall during the fruit-bearing season this summer. This unfavorable weather has resulted in a projected decrease in production, with the dry spell impeding and diminishing the harvest.
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Typically, farmers vend their yield to intermediaries or contractors who distribute the fruit to major cities. These contractors now wield considerable influence over the market. The surge in prices is chiefly due to the diminished supply from pivotal producing areas this year. Traders have observed that while the quality of lemons remains high, the supply is inadequate to meet the demand.
Lemons are extensively cultivated across Pakistan, with local production typically fulfilling domestic requirements. Punjab, in particular, accounts for 95 percent of the country’s lemon production owing to its favorable climatic conditions. Nevertheless, despite this extensive cultivation, the price of lemons tends to escalate each summer as demand rises.
