Mangosteen Bounty in Kerala village

The road to the spectacular Athirappilly Falls winds through Pariyaram, a quiet village near Chalakudy in Thrissur district, Kerala. While tourists usually bypass this village on their way to the falls, there is one notable exception: Pariyaram is known for its successful cultivation of mangosteen, a fruit native to Indonesia. This unique agricultural achievement has earned it the nickname “Mangosteen Village”, making it a hidden gem in Keralas farming landscape.

Merlin Moothedan, along with his sons Midhun and Manu Merlin, manages a six-acre mangosteen farm in Pariyaram. This farm is home to trees that are up to 140 years old, each with a fascinating origin story. The farms legacy dates back to when Merlins grandfather introduced the first mangosteen seeds from Malaysia, marking the beginning of a unique and successful venture that has flourished over generations.

Pariyaram earns over “Rs 1 crore annually” from its mangosteen cultivation, thanks to a unique and farmer-friendly arrangement with a buyer in Chennai. In this deal, the fruit is evaluated while still growing on the tree, and farmers receive payment in advance. Once the payment is made, harvesters are dispatched to pluck the fruit, which is then packed and loaded onto a bus heading directly to Chennai. This direct transaction bypasses the typical middlemen, ensuring better profits for the farmers and a smoother supply chain for the high-demand fruit.

A 35-year-old mangosteen tree can yield up to “350 kg of fruit per year”, making it a highly productive crop. Due to its reputation as an expensive tropical fruit with numerous health benefits, mangosteen has a growing market both within India and internationally. In Kerala, it is sold for between “Rs 200-450”, while in other states and countries, the price can go up to “Rs 600” per fruit. Merlin, who ventured into farming right after completing his studies, explains how the high demand and lucrative prices make mangosteen a profitable crop for farmers like him.

From Garden Nursery to Global Exports: Pariyaram Mangosteen Farmers Reap Profits:

“Keralas favourable weather conditions make it ideal for mangosteen cultivation. Coupled with high market rates, this has led to an increasing number of farmers taking up its cultivation," says Merlin.

Despite the lack of government subsidies or promotional efforts, mangosteen cultivation in Pariyaram has spread through word of mouth. Neighbours, noticing the success of nearby trees, began planting their own. Today, most households in Pariyaram own at least one or two mangosteen trees, with some cultivating up to 50 or more.

In addition to direct wholesale trade in local stores and markets, Merlin Moothedan and his sons, Midhun and Manu Merlin, have established partnerships with third parties who export mangosteen to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. "In India, sales are significant in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore, and Bengaluru, where the prices are double what we receive in Kerala," says Manu, who handles the marketing of their produce.

He adds that the mangosteen is exported to other countries via AirCargo, with the total payment typically received in advance before shipment. "For domestic sales, distributors come directly to procure the fruit, and sometimes we also ship it to them," says Manu.

During the mangosteen season starting in April, many visitors, including aspiring farmers and digital content creators, come to the farm. Manu explains that social media platforms help them reach more distributors and customers, expanding their sales globally. Merlin expresses gratitude that his sons joined the farm, as their marketing skills on digital platforms have significantly scaled up the business. Without their innovative approach, he believes his income would have been limited to local markets, and he would have remained a conventional farmer.

Climacteric Fruit:

Mangosteen is a climacteric fruit, meaning that once it is harvested, it undergoes rapid changes, resulting in a short shelf life at ambient temperature. The fruit grows individually on the tree, not in clusters, making it necessary to carefully spot each one nestled among the dark green, shiny leaves. Harvesting requires both patience and a gentle touch, as the thick skin, though protective, can still get damaged if the fruit falls. Broken mangosteen is unsellable, adding to the delicate nature of its collection.

That is why Merlin selects young harvesters for the job. They do not need to travel far, as the farm is within a 20-km radius. The harvesters climb the trees using a long stick with a net at the end to carefully pluck the ripe fruit. Ripe mangosteen has a distinct paler green color, tinged with violet, making it easier to identify and harvest.

Once the mangosteen arrives, it is packed into cardboard boxes by a team of five. The buyer in Chennai, who purchases the fruit at wholesale prices, supplies the 10-kg boxes. Packing continues throughout the day, with loads from nearby areas arriving intermittently after 10 am, and the process is completed by 4 pm.

Afterward, Marlins shed is filled with a different set of tasks. The fruit crates are unloaded, and some fruit is rejected. The boxes are then weighed and stacked, all while adhering to a strict deadline. The packing process is carried out with clockwork efficiency to ensure everything is completed on time.

Joshua Daniel, a trader from Pathanamthitta, has been buying mangosteen from Pariyaram for the past 50 years. Merlin partners with him to coordinate the sale, procurement, packing, and transport of the fruit to Chennai, ensuring smooth operations throughout the process.

"I am very satisfied with mangosteen," says K.C. John, 75, a retired teacher. He owns around 60 mangosteen trees along with an equal number of nutmeg trees on his little over an acre of land. A few tall coconut trees, standing like umbrellas, complete the serene landscape of his farm.

In addition to mangosteen, the trio also cultivates rambutan and nutmeg on their farm. The saplings of all three trees are sold through their garden nursery, “Merlin Nursery”, located near their home. "Farmers both within and outside Kerala are our major customers, and we also receive bulk orders," says Merlin. While the fruits are available only during the season, the saplings are sold year-round, providing a steady source of income.

The farmer also mentions that the lifespan of a ripe mangosteen fruit is just seven days. Originally from Southeast Asia, this tropical fruit is a rich source of Vitamins B1, B2, B9, C, as well as essential minerals and antioxidants. Consuming mangosteen daily is said to promote weight loss, healthy skin, and a stronger immune system. The fruits juicy white flesh can be eaten raw or added to smoothies and salads for a refreshing, nutritious treat.

Merlins mangosteen farm features trees ranging in age from 7 to 140 years. "For this fruit, the older the trees, the greater the harvest," says Merlin. He adds, the number of customers is growing every year, and we plan to expand our reach to more countries and grow the business. We also hope more farmers will start cultivating this fruit.

Edited by Gayathri