Vazhkulam is called Pineapple City.
Kerala is called the land of coconut, but the interesting thing is that this state has lagged behind in the production of coconut. Now it is no longer a coconut bastion. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are ahead in the highest production of coconut in the country. But there is a place in Kerala which is known for its pineapple production. That is Vazhakulam. The pineapples here are known for their special sweetness, fragrance and quality. This place accounts for 80 percent of the total pineapples produced in Kerala.
Actually, West Bengal ranks first in the production of pineapple. Assam is at second place and Kerala at third place but when it comes to a small town then Vazhakulam is mentioned. This is the reason why it is also called Pineapple City.India is the largest center of pineapple market in Asia. Now the question is how did Vazhkulam become a pineapple stronghold which benefits the economy of the state?
How did Vazhakulam become the stronghold of pineapple? 5 big reasons
- Coordination of soil and weather: The weather and soil of Vazhkulam is a boon for pineapple. Here, high rainfall, hot-humid weather and fertile loamy soil are ideal for its cultivation. This is the reason why the size of the pineapple here is big. It is also better in sweetness and quality.
Vazhkulam is called Pineapple City of India. photo: pexels
- Old tradition and experience increased production: Farmers of Vazhkulam have been cultivating pineapple for years. With time both farming techniques and production improved. They know when and what steps need to be taken for farming. The experience increased the pineapple production here year after year.
- Mass Production: Pineapple is cultivated on a large scale on thousands of hectares of land in Vazhkulam and surrounding areas of Kerala. This is the reason why it has become one of the largest producers of pineapple in the southern states.
Pineapple tree. photo: pexels
- Respect of GI Tag: In the year 2009, Vazhkulam got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for pineapple. This increased its recognition and increased its exports. In this way, it came to be recognized as the stronghold of pineapple at the global level.
- Export and Processing: Vazhkulam is ahead not only in pineapple cultivation but also in food processing. Here, juice, jam and other things are made from pineapple on a large scale and these are exported to international markets including Gulf countries.
Vazhkulam is ahead not only in pineapple cultivation but also in food processing.
How many countries buy pineapple from India?
According to the report of Kerala Agricultural University, India exports pineapple to more than 100 countries, but there are 20 countries which buy the most pineapple. It is in demand from Middle East to America. Talking about the Middle East, there is demand for Indian pineapple in United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain. Apart from this, pineapple is also exported to Nepal, Maldives, Bangladesh, Bhutan, America, Belgium, Britain, Kazakhstan, Zambia and Iran.
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