Dasapalla,Mar, 20: With the arrival of summer, the demand for lemons increases significantly. Rich in Vitamin C, lemons are considered beneficial for health. Compared to cold beverages sold in the market, people generally prefer lemon-based drinks during the hot season. However, as production continues to decline day by day in proportion to demand, lemon prices soar during summer. Traders claim that due to the lack of sufficient supply, lemons are being sold at higher prices in the market. During the summer season, lemons are currently being sold at around ₹5 to rs7 per piece.
The major concern is that although lemon is a profitable cash crop, there is not much interest among farmers in lemon cultivation at the government level. On the other hand, drastic changes in climate are causing a steady decline in the production of various crops. As a result, lemon production has also decreased, and traders say they are unable to meet market demand.
Notably, the forest and hilly environment surrounding the Dasapalla block is quite suitable for lemon cultivation. Farmers believe that if saplings are supplied and proper training and support are provided, interest in lemon farming could increase in Dasapalla.
Although the government is taking various steps under different schemes to promote agriculture and is providing incentives to farmers, interest in lemon cultivation remains low. The Horticulture Department is conducting awareness campaigns in villages to promote farming development. However, according to Horticulture Officer Anurag Das Mahapatra, no specific scheme has yet been introduced exclusively for lemon cultivation. He stated that saplings will be provided to farmers who require them.
Farmers are demanding that the government take concrete steps to both encourage lemon cultivation and ensure adequate supply in the market to meet rising demand during the summer season.
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