As the heat of the summer is increasing, the demand for watermelon, lemon, sugarcane and cucumber, which cool the body from the scorching heat, is increasing. But this year, the weather has also adversely affected the production of these fruits and the quality has also deteriorated.

With the increase in fruit prices, everyone is sweating, while the sweetness of local watermelon has decreased. Nature’s gift of watermelon, lemon sorbet, sugarcane juice and cucumber are the easiest and cheapest options and support for everyone to beat the heat.

But due to the current intense heat of the summer and the correspondingly low yields, the prices of these fruits have increased significantly.

This year, prices have increased by 20 to 25 percent compared to last year. Watermelons are coming to the city from various places in the district as well as from the surrounding districts for sale. This year, the erratic weather has also affected oranges, citrus fruits and lemons, and the arrival of lemons has also decreased. Due to this, their prices have also increased.

Lemon is as expensive as oranges and grapefruits. Due to this, lemonade has become expensive. The prices of kokum and cucumber have also increased. In many places, cucumber and kokum are not even available. This year, it has increased by 20 to 25 rupees in Kalinga compared to last year.

The price of a large cucumber has increased by five to ten rupees. As a result, people are now choosing artificial alternatives to avoid the heat, leaving behind natural alternatives. Among them, demand for syrups in sealed bottles and those available in plastic pouches is increasing.

Currently, the arrival of lemons in the Ahilyanagar market committee is decreasing and the prices have also increased. Only 29 quintals of lemons arrived on Sunday. They fetched a price of Rs 5,500-9,000. Citrus fruits are 1,000-6,000, oranges are 2,000-13,000, pomegranates are 2,000-10,000, persimmons are 1,000-4,000, grapes are 2,000-4,000, watermelons are 3,000-1,300, and melons are 5,000-1,500.