the above cost analysis has been carried out taking into account the cost of production for the first five years during which the fruit yield is optimum and cost of planting material dominating in the first year and labour being another predominant part of the value chain. Post-harvest Practices: Harvesting : the fruiting starts from the second year onwards, the fruit bearing is good till the fourth year of planting and reduces afterwards. However, the farmers take the crop till the seventh or eighth year. The fruits are harvested in May-August and November-December. Average weight of each pineapple is 1-1.5 kg and yield of Kew variety is 30-35 MT/ha. Average cost of production is approximately ` 3 per piece. The farm gate price per piece varies from ` 4 to ` 12 depending upon the production and market demand. During the lean season, the farmer gets ` 8-12 per piece while during the peak season, when there is abundant supply in the market, the farmer is able to sell it at ` 4-6 per piece. Value Addition at Farm Level: Before taking to the market, the farmers grade the produce as per size. Generally fruits of 1 to 1.5 kg weight are more acceptable.
Marketing and Logistics: Marketing channels followed by the farmer are as depicted in the figure below:
Farmers