Pineapple farmers say the cultivation of the fruit in its traditional locales in Kerala and neighbouring districts of Karnataka is shrinking thanks largely to extreme rainfall. Pineapple used to be cultivated in northern Kerala districts in large areas but about 15% to 20% of the acreage has come down in recent years.
There had been a dip in production towards the end of last year. Also, the cost of production is at least 30% higher than in the past. Labor, fertilizer and fuel costs have spiraled. At the same time, productivity has come down in the face of weather conditions. Production could be down around 30%, he added.
The area under cultivation too has come down from the previous level of around 18,000 hectares. Production has come down to about 350,000 tons, from 450,000 tons.
Source: thehindu.com
