The Hindu Business Line : Pepsi exploring pineapple contract farming in Kerala

Pineapple farming being carried out in Vazhakkulam area in Ernakulam district. Pineapple grown here tastes good and experts say the region has the most conducive climate to grow the fruit. — K.K.Mustafah

Kochi , July 15

PEPSI has begun a pilot project of pineapple cultivation in Kerala, as the company is planning to undertake contract farming of the fruit in the State.

"Trials are now on... We have planted the `Sugarloaf' variety of pineapple in our bottling plant (in Palakkad district)," a top official of PepsiCo India said.

He did not say when the company would start contract farming by engaging farmers in the project.

According to industry sources, Pepsi is keen to do contract farming of pineapple at the Vazhakkulam area in Ernakulam district, which is the hub of pineapple cultivation in the State.

The company sells fruit juices under the Tropicana brand. It had earlier said that it was looking at doing contract farming of pineapple in Kerala.

Kerala has emerged as a major centre for pineapple production as many areas in the State have climate conducive to the cultivation of the plant.

The Vazhakkulam area accounts for a lion's share of the 85,000 tonnes of pineapple produced by the State in a year.

According to sources, a team from Pepsi had visited Vazhakkulam in the past and even held talks with the State Government officials regarding contract farming.

If Pepsi starts contract farming of the Sugarloaf variety in Kerala, it could mark a new episode in the efforts of the State to boost pineapple farming and fruit exports.

Currently, the Mauritius variety is the most popular among farmers in Kerala. Efforts are now on to encourage farming of the KEW variety, which is more suitable for processing and canning.

Agricultural experts say Kerala has tremendous potential for further improving its prospects in pineapple farming thanks to its vast area of rubber plantations, where pineapple is an ideal inter crop in the first three years of the rubber plantlet.

Every year, it is estimated that 20,000 hectares of rubber plantations go for re-planting after the trees complete their yielding period.

For the next three years, this area can be used for pineapple cultivation.

A number of pineapple processing units are coming up in the State, targeting overseas markets.

More Stories on : Contract Farming | Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables | Kerala

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