Kochi: With the commencement of the season, pineapple prices are witnessing a rise in Kerala. High demand and inadequate supply have resulted in a price hike.
Unripe special grade pineapple and fruit are priced at Rs 36/kg while the rate of the local unripe pineapple is at Rs 35/kg. Notably, the rates of the same in January were respectively Rs 24/kg, Rs 22/kg and Rs 26/kg respectively. This suggests that the rates have risen by Rs 12/kg within one month. Two weeks back, Mathrubhumi also published reports hinting at a price hike of pineapple in this season.

The main reason behind the price hike is the lower production of pineapple and conceding winter season in the northern states of India, which in turn has increased the demand for the fruit. In those states, the demand is comparatively higher for special grade varieties New Delhi and Jaipur are the two main markets for special grade varieties. Hence, the huge demand in these places will be reflected in the price. It is expected that the price of fruit will further rise as winter will subdue in New Delhi. 

Meanwhile, according to Pineapple Growers’ Association, though there are many takers for the fruit from other states too, production is inadequate in Kerala. It is learnt that production has reduced by 30 per cent when compared to last year. At present, the daily production in Kerala is less than 700 tonnes, when daily demand from the state is at 200 tonnes.

Not just the fruit, the leaf of pineapple too has high demand now. Many involved in cattle rearing is using the leaves as fodder. According to them, leaves fetch more milk and it is cost-effective too. This in turn is giving pineapple cultivators some additional earnings. From one acre of plot 30 to 40 tonnes of leaves can be provided. Earlier, the farmers used to receive orders from places like Surat as pineapple leaves are used for making fibre in the textile industry.

Interestingly, in the April-December stretch of 2021, the pineapple exports were at a record high. The export revenue was around Rs 25 crore.