Ponda: Pineapple farmers from Cuncolim-Priol, Ponda are a troubled lot despite the price of the fruit touching a record high.
The long dry spell and monkeys have made the life of farmers miserable and are also the prime reasons behind the drop in the produce.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The State hasn’t witnessed showers since November which is considered to be one of the reasons behind the fall in productivity this year. The pineapples available in the Ponda market are sold at a higher price than usual and its rare presence was felt during Vat Purnima festival which was celebrated last week.
“It’s the first time in years that the pineapple harvest has gone down. The monkeys do not leave anything untouched and then the lack of drizzle which is necessary for the pineapples wasn’t there. Earlier more than 100 pineapples were sold everyday. This year, the number has dwindled down to less than 20,” said 85-year old Bhiku Naik who has been selling pineapples for last several years.
