Excess production and low demand from upcountry States due to winter have dragged pineapple price to below one-fifth of the record price.

One kg of Kerala’s ‘Vazhakulam’ pineapple, which has got a geographical indicator tag, is now sold at Rs 10, a huge fall from the record high of Rs 52 it touched some four months ago.

largest producer Kerala is one of the largest producers of pineapple and a majority of the produce is exported to northern and western States.

There has been excess production this season, pineapple farmers say, mainly because of increased productivity.

Besides, more small farmers are now taking to pineapple cultivation due to higher prices as well as increased demand for the ‘Vazhakulam’ fruit.

lower offtake However, due to cold conditions prevailing in northern States, the demand is now low.

Demand usually falls during winter.

The Pineapple Farmers Association points out that around 900 tonnes of pineapple come to the wholesale market every day and around 80 per cent of them are exported to other States as well as abroad.

During the peak season, 80-90 truckloads of pineapple leave Kerala for Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and other States.

But currently, this has come down to 40-50 trucks a day. However, demand from within Kerala has been increasing substantially for nearly a year.

The low price of pineapple compared to other fruits, which are mostly imported from other States, is said to be the main reason for the rise in local consumption.

There is also a general fear about imported fruits — apple, grape, guava, green bananas — as they are suspected to contain harmful pesticide residues. Pineapple is considered relatively free of pesticide residues.

Baby John, a farmer who cultivates pineapple in leased plots of land, told Business Line that in order to break even, a farmer needs to get Rs 15-16 a kg.

John, an association functionary, however, hopes the price would start rising once cold conditions ease in North India.

>basheer.kpm@thehindu.co.in

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