With spike in output on cards, pineapple producers pin their hopes on export markets

THE pineapple farmers of Vazhakulam are in high spirits as summer rains have improved the chances of a good harvest.

- Manoj Viswanathan

THE pineapple farmers of Vazhakulam are in high spirits as summer rains have improved the chances of a good harvest. This is on the back of their efforts at tapping more export markets yielding fruit.

The Vazhakulam pineapple market sends around 1,500 tonnes of the tropical fruit daily to various parts of the country.

While domestic markets account for nearly 98% of the sales, farmers and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) are now eyeing more foreign markets.

"Normally, North Indian demand peaks during summer and the marriage season. Business was good this Ramadan. Though summer is peaking, the rise in production of watermelon has affected our market. But, due to the summer rains we are harvesting good quality fruit with the price ranging from ₹32-36 per kg. Though this was ₹40 in 2024, last year's crop was much smaller," said All Kerala Pineapple Farmers' Association president James George.