This year the production of pineapple is estimated to be 6.25 lakh tonnes. | Photo Credit: Mustafa KK
Rising pineapple prices have left the farming community happy, with prices reaching their highest level in a decade. The pineapple market has seen a sharp rise in the last 10 days, with prices of both ripe and green fruits ranging between ₹50 and ₹52 per kg, and is expected to rise further.
Baby John, president of the Pineapple Growers Association of Keralam, attributed the rise in prices to a combination of seasonal and market factors, saying the demand has increased significantly due to the early onset of summer after a short winter in North India as well as the beginning of the wedding season.
According to him, earlier the extreme heat led to a decline in production in major producing areas, affecting availability in major consumer centres. Rising prices of other fruits like oranges and apples have also increased the demand for pineapples.
Recently, improved highway connectivity has enabled pineapples to reach many North Indian markets within three days compared to five to six days earlier. This faster transit has ensured better freshness and further increased demand, he said.
Ramadan consumption
He said pineapple consumption is expected to increase further from mid-February and will continue till March with the start of the Ramadan season, during which the fruit is an integral part of the Iftar meal.
Baby John said the absence of rain this season since December has led to drought-like conditions in many producing areas, due to which production is likely to decline to an estimated 6.25 lakh tonnes this year.
Joy Isaac, a farmer from Koothattukulam, said the drought-like situation in West Bengal, along with acute labor shortage along with SIR issues, are creating problems, forcing migrant laborers to return to their home states. The sector depends heavily on these laborers for harvesting and their absence is impacting the timely harvesting of fruits.
Published on February 6, 2026
