West Asia crisis halts Kerala's fruit, veggie exports; Ramzan markets reel
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Thiruvananthapuram: Escalating West Asia tensions have frozen Kerala's exports of fruits, vegetables, and fish, causing crores in losses as air and sea routes grind to a halt.
Flights to Gulf nations are suspended, stopping all shipments from Kerala's four international airports: Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur. Normally, 150 tonnes of produce ship daily—Thiruvananthapuram handles a third—but zero tonnes have moved recently.
Strait of Hormuz closure has crippled sea cargo too.
The holy month drives peak demand in the Middle East, Kerala's top market. Pineapple farmers, who rely on high Ramzan prices, now face wiped-out earnings as perishables pile up.
Limited Oman flights charge triple rates, rendering exports unviable. Prolonged crisis could force distress sales domestically, hammering farmers and traders.
(Inputs from IANS)