India: 2.5 tonnes of Vazhakulam pineapples sent to Delhi by rail for the first time

Under the Kisan Rail Initiative, the All Kerala Pineapple Farmers' Association, one of the country's largest, has shipped a shipment of pineapples to Delhi for the first time. On Wednesday, the farmers transported a parcel shipment of 2.5 tonnes of 'Vazhakulam' pineapple from Ernakulam South Railway station to Delhi by the Nizamuddin Express. As north India is one of the biggest markets of Pineapples in the country. The pineapples from Kerala are actually sent to the north in trucks which usually takes 5 days to reach Delhi, however, this time duration has been shortened to 50 hrs (or 2days and 2hrs) due to the utilization of the Indian Kisan Rail scheme. This also ensures that the pineapple keeps its freshness as it's a fruit with a shelf life of only 2-3 days if it's ripe. James George Thottumariyil, President of the All Kerala Pineapple Farmers' Association Association, also told the reporters that "Thus, we can offer fresh fruits this time to the market and if the experiment ...