Vazhakulam: The pineapple capital of India

About an hour's drive from Kochi, Vazhakulam is the hub of pineapple farming and trade in Kerala. Vazhakulam pineapples are known for their sweetness, flavour, and aroma, leading to strong domestic and international demand.

Around 80 percent of Kerala's total pineapple yield is dispatched across India and exported overseas. The annual turnover from pineapple sales in this small town is estimated at around Rs 250 crore. 

Vazhakulam, where around 350 farmers cultivate pineapple, is also India's largest pineapple market, renowned for its high-quality produce.

Vazhakulam pineapple, with its high sugar content and low acidity, has a Geographical Indication or GI tag, a testament to its unique quality, taste and branding protection under WTO guidelines.

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History of pineapple farming in Vazhakulam

The Portuguese introduced pineapple farming to India in 1548 AD, bringing the fruit from Brazil. But it was only in the 1940s that pineapple cultivation began in Vazhakulam on a small scale. 

The climate of Vazhakulam is ideal for pineapple cultivation due to its warm, humid conditions and well-drained soil. The area experiences good rainfall, typically between 1000 and 1500 mm annually, which is suitable for pineapple growth. 

Favourable climatic conditions soon led to commercial cultivation by the 1950s, primarily of the Kew variety, which is good for processing into juices, jams, squashes and canned slices. Due to this, companies producing jams and squashes turned to Vazhakulam for its pulp. 

As cultivation expanded, farmers formed cooperatives for better bargaining power. In 1990, these cooperatives consolidated under the Pineapple Farmers’ Association of Vazhakulam, supported by a state research station established in 1995.

This research station plays a crucial role in introducing advanced farming techniques and providing technical support and bank loans to farmers, boosting the sector. 

Over time, many farmers shifted from Kew to the Mauritius variety (locally called Kannara) due to its demand, despite its shorter shelf life of 15 to 20 days. During September-October, coinciding with the Ramzan period, Vazhakulam sees its peak season when 1,000 tonnes of pineapples are shipped daily to Mumbai, with a significant portion exported to Gulf countries.

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The Philippines, Costa Rica, and Brazil are the top three pineapple producers globally. However, Vazhakulam pineapples are high in demand due to their unique taste.

How pineapple farming is done in Vazhakulam 

Local management practices have ensured excellent fruit quality, and farming has spread to neighbo

uring districts over the years. 

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Pineapple cultivation now covers about 10,000 hectares across Ernakulam, Kottayam, parts of Pathanamthitta, and the lower elevations of Idukki district. 

Planting in Vazhakulam is done almost year-round, excluding heavy monsoon periods, ensuring availability throughout the year. Farmers use suckers, which are shoots from the mother plant, as planting material. 

Planting is mostly done in paired rows with a gap of 45cm between rows, 30cm between plants in a row, and 150cm between paired rows. In wetlands or paddy fields, pineapple is planted on ridges to ensure proper drainage. 

In Vazhakulam, pineapple is grown as a standalone crop and also as an intercrop in rubber and coconut plantations. In rubber plantations, pineapple is often planted during the initial three years of rubber growth, providing an income source before the rubber trees mature. Similarly, in coconut plantations, pineapple is intercropped to provide additional income for farmers.

Kannara has gained popularity due to its pleasant aroma, conical shape, golden-yellow flesh, and sweet juice with low acidity. Its robustness allows it to withstand post-harvest handling and long-distance transport, maintaining its aroma, flavour, and sweetness.

GI registration has significantly boosted pineapple exports from Kerala, enhancing its reputation and commanding premium prices in the international market.

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