Rising pineapple prices have cheered the farming community, especially as the upcountry market prepares for the next wedding season and Ramadan demand.
According to producers, ripe pineapple fetches Rs 50 per kilogram, while green and special grades pay between Rs 40 and Rs 42. They attribute the higher pricing to the hot weather, which increased demand for fruits in Kerala, as well as Ramadan demand, as pineapple is a staple at Ramadan iftar gatherings.
At the same time, farmers have expressed concern about the crop's diminishing yield in the face of increased demand from North Indian markets as well as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Ahmedabad to meet Ramadan demand.
According to Baby John, President of the Pineapple Growers Association Keralam, rising temperatures, particularly in pineapple growing areas in the lack of adequate rainfall, have harmed productivity, with a 25% decline in the subsequent harvest season in March, April, and May. The average production presently stands around 1,200 tonnes, down from 1,500-2,000 tonnes during the summer season.
The strength of the rainfall will always determine the success of a harvest season. At the same time, he said, the fruit's demand has been hurt by the constant rains in portions of North India and Maharashtra. He stated that demand for the fruit is increasing in the North Indian market, particularly following Covid, with an average daily sale of 200 tonnes.
In Kerala, the figure increased to 250-300 tonnes, up from 100 tonnes pre-Covid. The beginning of the wedding season following Easter is also a factor in the increased demand. Because of its digestive properties, pineapple is the most popular fruit in North Indian marketplaces for all types of feasts.
