Effect of Geographical Indication Tagging on Farmers’ Income: A Study of Pineapple Farmers in Kerala

This study has analysed the effect of Geographical indication (GI) registration in 2009 on price and income of farmers. A benefit-cost comparison of GI-tagged and non-GI pineapple cultivation was estimated. The study was conducted in Ernakulam and Idukki districts of Kerala. The total sample size was 120, of which 74 farmers were from Ernakulam district and 26 from Idukki district. Besides farmers, 20 traders from the Ernakulam district were also interviewed. The total cost of cultivation of pineapple for three years was 9.09 lakh/ha. The net return was 7.17 lakh/ha. The net present value, benefit cost ratio and internal rate of return of pineapple cultivation were found to be 5.31 lakh, 1.69 and 151 per cent, respectively. This indicates the financial feasibility of investment in pineapple cultivation. The price for GI tagged Vazhakulam pineapple was high in the international markets, especially in the Gulf countries. It was observed that the major share of premium price goes to the intermediaries and exporters while the farmers are least benefited. It was reported that 20 per cent of the sample farmers received a premium price which was 2300 per quintal. The study has suggested encouragement of farmers to cultivate organic pineapple and development of infrastructure like cold storages in the study area.