The Pineapple Growers Association of Keralam has initiated a campaign advising farmers to refrain from cultivating fresh pineapples over the next 12 months. Instead, the association recommends focusing on the maintenance of existing farms in light of significant labor shortages and declining prices.
Baby John, President of the association, noted that the migration of workers to North India during the election season has severely impacted labor availability, complicating the ability of farmers to harvest and manage their current plantations effectively. He emphasized that prioritizing the care of existing farms could help minimize unnecessary expenditures, alleviate labor pressure, and ensure market stability, ultimately supporting improved prices in the future.
Currently, first-grade green pineapples are retailing for approximately ₹46 per kilogram, while wholesale rates for ripe pineapples have dropped to between ₹10 and ₹13 per kilogram. Farmers need at least ₹35-₹40 per kilogram to break even, leading to substantial financial losses under the prevailing market conditions.
The association also pointed to extreme temperatures experienced in March and April, which disrupted the flowering and fruiting cycles of pineapples, affecting production patterns and causing an excess supply in the market. Generally, pineapple cultivation yields three harvests over a period of two to three years. Yet, escalating fertilizer costs and ongoing labor shortages have increased pressure on small and medium-sized farmers, many of whom are struggling to get adequate yields from their existing farms.
Growers have reported that the strong demand and high prices seen in recent years encouraged many new entrants into pineapple farming. Favorable growing conditions contributed to a sharp rise in production, which ultimately resulted in a market surplus and a significant drop in prices.
Additionally, the hospitality sector has been facing weaker demand, leading to reduced consumption of processed fruit products and juices. This has left many harvested pineapples unsold. The association further cautioned that the central government’s call to reduce fertilizer usage, along with concerns about potential shortages stemming from geopolitical tensions, could negatively impact new plantings, since fresh cultivation necessitates higher fertilizer application.
In this context, the growers’ body believes that pausing new cultivation for a year would aid in stabilizing the market and provide much-needed financial relief to farmers.
Published on May 22, 2026.
