Pineapple farmers in trouble as prices dip
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Flood of oranges in fruits market, onset of winter in north India help lower prices
Farmers cite flood of oranges in the fruits market and onset of winter in north India as the major reasons for the fall in prices of pineapple.
Pineapple farmers in the State are reeling under an unprecedented price fall. The best of Vazhakkulam pineapple is now selling for Rs.14 a kg (A grade raw fruit) in the wholesale market. Farmers say that unless they realise Rs.18–20 a kg for the fruit, their finances will take a big blow.
The onset of the winter in northern India, heavy rains in upcountry cities and towns and the flood of oranges in the fruits market this season are instrumental in bringing down the prices so drastically.
According to Pineapple Farmers’ Association president Jose Kalappura, increased production was one of the other reasons for the fall in prices. He said that production was higher by about 10 per cent this season.
Higher production is reflected in the market arrivals going up to about 1,200 tonnes a day.
A member of the Pineapple Farmers’ Association said that northern India had been experiencing heavy rains since cyclone Hudhud hit the East Coast, cooling demand for fruits in general. Pineapple from Kerala is exported to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai in large quantities, he added.
“With production costs so high, prices have never fallen so low,” said Baby John, a farmer in Moovattupuzha.
He said that prices had been falling continuously for about a month-and-a-half now with little intervention from State agencies entrusted with the task of supporting farmers in times of trouble.
However, Mr. Kalappura said that Vazhakkulam Agro and Fruit Processing Company, a government enterprise engaged in processing pineapple and other fruits, had promised to procure pineapple from farmers at Rs.18 a kg. The company was expected to start its procurement drive within a fortnight, he said.
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/pineapple-farmers-in-trouble-as-prices-dip/article6624079.ece
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