Ambalavayal: With the price of passion fruit rising steadily, farmers across Wayanad district are increasingly turning to its cultivation. The crop, which grows well both in fields and on common lands with minimal care, is particularly abundant in the Meenangadi and Ambalavayal panchayats.

Hybrid varieties of passion fruit are currently in high demand in the market.

The once-overlooked fruit, which often ripens and falls to the ground, unused, is now becoming a source of steady income for farmers who take cultivation seriously. With low initial investment and promising income, passion fruit farming is rapidly becoming a popular choice among farmers.

In Kalathuvayal, of Ambalavayal panchayat, many farmers are experimenting with passion fruit cultivation this season.

When harvesting began in June, prices touched ₹100 per kilogram. As supply to the market increased, rates dropped to ₹40 to ₹50 per kilogram. Farmers remain optimistic that they will not face losses.

Among them is Thankachan from Kalathuvayal, who is delighted with the success of his first attempt. He planted three hybrid varieties with yellow and violet fruits in his backyard garden alongside other crops. Without using pesticides, he achieved a good yield.

However, adverse weather conditions this season, including continuous rainfall, caused some damage to the plants and reduced fruit size. He noted that these issues could be managed with limited use of pesticides.

Passion fruit has proven to be a crop that yields well and brings in steady income even when grown in small pots. Encouraged by the results, farmers like Thankachan are now planning to expand their cultivation.