In Kerala, despite strong demand and favorable market prices for pineapples, local farmers are struggling due to a shortage of lorries for transporting their produce to northern markets. This logistical issue has worsened due to a decline in the number of lorries traveling north from Kerala. These lorries typically carry pineapples to Delhi, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, returning with onions. The current shortage of lorries has been linked to rising onion prices, resulting in fewer trips. N.A. Soman, a pineapple farmer, highlighted the transport difficulties, particularly during the Diwali season when many drivers were on leave.
Onion prices have surged, with retail prices in Maharashtra reaching approximately $1.44 per kilogram and wholesale prices in Nashik at around $1.02. This spike follows a 20% drop in onion supply due to heavy rains in October. Pineapple transport is expected to improve after December, following the next onion harvest.
Currently, ripe pineapples are selling for about $0.55 per kilogram, while raw pineapples are priced at $0.48 per kilogram. Despite these reasonable prices, pineapple production has fallen by 40% due to adverse weather conditions, and farmers are also facing a shortage of pineapple plantlets.
Source: Mathrubhumi