September 17, 2026 | The Weekend Leader |
Rambutan is emerging as a profitable commercial fruit crop in Kerala, India, as farmers increasingly replace rubber plantations due to declining profitability, labor shortages, and changing climatic conditions. Growing demand for exotic fruits across India has encouraged this transition.
One example is farmer M. C. Saju from Ernakulam, who cultivates rambutan on six acres and reports annual revenue of approximately INR 5 million. After experimenting with different varieties, he began commercial production in 2022 and identified the N18 variety as particularly suitable for Kerala’s climate, productivity, fruit quality, and shelf life.
According to Saju, rambutan trees begin producing fruit in their third year, yielding approximately 30 kg per tree, increasing to 70 kg by the fifth year and potentially 300 kg at maturity. He reports selling fruit for INR 140–150/kg, with returns potentially reaching ten times those of rubber cultivation.
Rambutan requires less labor than rubber, although irrigation remains important for fruit quality and productivity. Its short postharvest shelf life also creates challenges for transportation and distribution, particularly where cold-chain infrastructure is limited.
Saju believes that expanding domestic demand and favorable market prices could support further growth of Kerala’s rambutan industry.
