At least a 20% to 25% shift in acreage under pineapple cultivation in the State to the MD2 variety from the widely-cultivated Mauritius can help farmers overcome a glut in the market like the one facing them now.
The MD2 variety is well accepted in European and other markets; they are easily processed and have better shelf life, says P.P. Joy, former director of the Vazhakkulam Pineapple Research Station of Kerala Agricultural University.
Best quality
A spike in production this season has seen the price of the best quality fruit falling to around ₹10 a kg this month.
The price was ₹14 a kg for A grade raw fruit and ₹10 a kg for ripe fruit of the same grade on Wednesday at the Vazhakkulam wholesale market.
Farmers require at ₹18 a kg to break even and the situation now will sink the farmers into debt, says Baby John in Muvattupuzha, who is contemplating the idea of shifting at least partly to the MD2 variety.
The Mauritius variety dominates Kerala farms. Of the roughly 18,000 hectares under cultivation, about 95% is under the variety.
The Vazhakkulam pineapple has also received the Geographical Indication Registration and is widely popular as fresh fruit. Its aroma and golden colour have made it a favourite.
Besides, says Noble John, a veteran farmer, the Mauritius variety does not have a time lag like its counterpart.
Most farmers take land on lease and can have up to three crops in three years. However, the MD2 variety takes up to 18 months to bear fruit. He concedes that the MD2 variety is more amenable to mechanised farming and processing. However, the undulating land structure in Kerala prevents mechanisation, he adds.
Another drawback, says Mr. Baby John, is the scarcity of planting materials for MD2. The Mauritius variety produces abundant suckers, which is in itself a major source of income for the farmers. However, the MD2 variety sprouts one or two suckers only.