November 15, 2024 | Mathrubhumi.com |
Farmers in Kerala face a lorry shortage for transporting pineapples to northern India due to increased demand for onion transport. The situation worsened during Diwali when many drivers took leave. While pineapples are in demand, with prices ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 46 per kilogram, heavy rains and hot weather earlier in the year caused a 40% drop in production. Additionally, a shortage of pineapple plantlets further impacts supply. More lorries are expected to become available after the next onion harvest in December, which may alleviate transportation issues.