The sudden fall in the prices of banana (Nenthran) has hit the farmers in the high range area where it has been largely cultivated.

Earlier, its price ranged between Rs.25 and Rs.40 per kilogram which now fell down to Rs.18.

Though the farmers expected a high price during the Onam season, they got only a maximum price of Rs.30. Farmers say that it is profitable only when they get a price above Rs.30 per kilogram.

Though the usual harvesting season is between June and September, it is being harvested throughout the year. Farmers cultivate plantain in low lying fields where irrigation facilities and water sources are available.

“Banana is a major crop cultivated by the joint groups and the self-help groups under the Kudumbasree Mission,” says Binoj Varghese, a farmer at Thonithadi.

He has two acres under banana cultivation.

He says that there is virtually no demand for it in the private market. Farmers sell the crop through the Swayasraya Karshaka Vipanies under the Vegetables and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam. Most of the farmers cultivate plantain on land taken on lease. There have not been many fluctuations in the prices, which were remaining at a low for over a year, says an office-bearer at Erattayar Swayasraya Vipani.

An important factor said to be the reason behind the price fall is the large-scale arrival of banana from Cumbom valley. The cost of production there is much lower, says Mr. Varghese adding that the banana produced in the high range is considered to be of better quality.