The New Year isn’t off to a good start for Indian pineapple growers, with prices plummeting to a record low. The farm-level price of GI-tagged Vazhakkulam pineapple A grade green fruit has come down to ₹10 per kg, while B and C grades are hovering between ₹3 to ₹5. The average price during the same period last year was ₹28 for special grade and ₹15-16 for B&C grades.
There seem to be many factors that led to the drop and a significant one is the farmers’ strike in Delhi, hindering the fruit movement to the upcountry markets of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh from the capital city, the central transit point. Via several Pineapple Growers Associations, the growers are seeking help from the state governments.
The president of Pineapple Growers Association Keralam has stated that pineapple consumption was low in North Indian consuming markets due to limited public functions like marriages and other major ceremonies. This has hit sales, especially of premium grades. The restrictions in the opening of star hotels also badly hit sales, as pineapple is a major component in this industry in making fresh juice for customers.
