Pineapple farmers in Kerala feel the heat as prices plummet

As summer temperatures continue to rise, pineapple growers are feeling the heat, with the price for the fruit nosediving to an all-time low when compared to the past few years. According to pineapple growers, summer season is one of the most lucrative times with sales and demand usually skyrocketing for the fruit, but the reality is showing a depressing reversal, affecting the livelihood of farmers.

Dominic George, a 66-year-old who has been a pineapple farmer in Vazhakkulam for about 35 years, said that this is one of the worst crises. According to him and other growers, the main reasons for the crisis are gas shortage, which has led to the closure of many hotels, and the intense summer heat which has affected the yield, including the size of the fruit.