High-altitude conditions in Vattavada boost passion fruit quality

The unique geo-climatic conditions of Vattavada, a village in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, create the perfect environment for growing a variety of horticultural crops. Among them, a native variety of passion fruit has gained popularity, with farmers cultivating it extensively. This fruit, distinguished by its orange hue with a hint of green, is highly valued for its sweet and mildly tangy flavor.

The combination of strong market demand and low maintenance costs has made passion fruit cultivation a profitable venture for local farmers. As a result, Vattavada has emerged as a leading passion fruit production center in Idukki, a district known for its hilly terrain and cool climate.

According to local farmers, during the peak season (January to March), they earn ₹120 per kilogram (approximately $1.37), while the fruit is sold in local markets for ₹150 per kilogram (about $1.71). Off-season (June to December) prices rise significantly, reaching ₹250 per kilogram (around $2.85) due to limited supply.

Each week during peak harvest, around 5 tonnes of passion fruit are transported from Vattavada to other parts of Kerala. Kochi, Kerala’s commercial capital, serves as the primary market for this fruit, with high demand from traders in Bengaluru, a major metropolitan city in the neighboring state of Karnataka.

This particular variety of passion fruit thrives in high-altitude areas where temperatures remain below 22°C (71.6°F). Unlike other passion fruit varieties, Vattavada’s native variety has a longer peduncle (fruit stalk) and a more distinct flavor. Most of the harvest comes from tribal settlements in the region, where farming has been a way of life for generations.

Currently, passion fruit is cultivated across 10 hectares (approximately 24.7 acres) of land in Vattavada. To support farmers, the agriculture department provides a subsidy of ₹18,000 per hectare (about $205). Once planted, the crop takes about six months to flower, and the harvesting period lasts four to five months, ensuring a steady income for local farmers.

source: tbsnews.net

photo: newindianexpress.com