SOURCE: Reshma Bhaskaran, Mathrubhumi
It’s good time for pineapple vendors in the state. In a matter of one week, prices of regular, raw and special (grade) green pineapples have increased by Rs 12 each. As a result, in Kochi, while regular pineapples are now sold for Rs 42, the raw and special grade green pineapples cost Rs 41 and Rs 43 respectively. Meanwhile, as per the information provided by the Merchants association, the regular, raw and special (grade) green pineapples were priced at Rs 40, Rs 37 and Rs 39 respectively the previous day.
When the fruit hits the local market, the prices are expected to rise further, in tandem with the distance travelled and availability of various varieties. Just prior to the bloom, there has been a lull in the pineapple sales in the state, owing to the shortage of supply. Now with the market revival, farmers are expecting pineapple prices to go up further in the coming days. Sudden changes in the weather conditions tend to affect pineapple sales negatively at times. 60 percent of the total pineapple cultivation in the state happens in Ernakulam district.
Kerala pineapples are of huge demand in Delhi. The fruit from Kerala has takers in states including Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra as well.
Rise in cultivation
Several farmers have ventured into pineapple cultivation this season with the hopes of better returns. This will result in increased production. As of now, 4.5 lakh tonnes of pineapples are cultivated in the state every year. From next year onwards, the production is expected to go up to six lakh tonnes.
With rise in demand, pineapple seeds which were earlier priced in the range of Rs 5- Rs 7, are now being sold for more than Rs 10. A few regions are experiencing shortage of good varieties of seeds as well.