India: Pineapple growers appeal for help as prices plummet
Good quality fruit had been fetching as much as Rs 20 per kg ($0.36 US) in recent weeks, but has now fallen to Rs.10 per kg. The Agro processing compan was established to bail farmers out in conditions such as these.
The director of the Pineapple Farmer's Association, Baby John, said the Agro processing company was making things difficult for growers by insisting that they produce certificates from Agricultural Officers before their frutis could be procured. In addition they have set limits of three tonnes per grower.
Mr. John said that price of pineapple was better in November last year at Rs. 13 to 14 a kg. The remunerative price had prompted farmers to keep steady the area under pineapple. There were about 13,000 hectares under the fruit across the state, with almost 2,000 farmers involved in cultivation. The total production this year is expected to be around 3.25 lakh tonnes.
Higher land lease rates this year had forced the cost of production up this season and farmers need at least Rs. 15 a kg to break even, he said.
Source: thehindu.com
