MARGAO
It’s often said there’s nothing as refreshing as a glass of fresh lime juice in the scorching sun. It’s not uncommon to find people making a beeline at cold drink and juice parlours or outlets at the market corner for a glass to fresh lime juice to quench their thirst during this part of the hot season.
Lime or Limbo, however, has suddenly become dearer and beyond the reach of the common man. The price of lime has shot up so high that that a glass of fresh lime juice costs Rs 30 and more, depending upon the location of the outlet.
A single average size lime cost nothing less than Rs 8-10 in the retail market. During weekends, sources say the price goes up so high that one can hope to get just four limes for Rs 50.
Wholesalers as well as retailers have no idea how the much-sought after lime has suddenly become scarce, though there’s been issues concerning supply of lime during the summer season over the years.
Says Sailesh Naik, cold drink shop owner, operating from Old Bus Stand, Margao: “We procure our lime requirement in wholesale rate from the Gandhi market over the years. But, our wholesale supplier does not have enough quantity of lime to meet our requirements. And, the lime has become so dearer that it is now virtually sold for a price of Rs 8-10 in the retail market.”
Lime comes to Goa from across the borders of Karnataka, especially from areas such as Bijapur, Hubli, etc. “The suppliers say the crop was damaged this year due to a host of reasons, but we have no idea what’s the exact reason behind the scarcity,” he said.
Shailesh, however, said the suppliers are optimistic that things may change for the better in the next fortnight hoping the ensuing harvest will stabilise the supply in the market.
A wholesale lime trader operating in the Gandhi market attributed the shortage to the hot climatic conditions that have destroyed the product in Bijapur and other areas. “The price of lime has shot up manifold in the last few days. It is primarily because of the hot weather conditions in Bijapur and other areas affecting the yield,” he said.
