Kulathoopuzha: Tamil Nadu is rejoicing as the smell of jackfruit wafts in Kerala air. Loads of jackfruits are being exported to the neighbouring state on a daily basis.
This year, the mango season too has been plentiful as the waysides are lined with makeshift fruit shops that sell locally grown mangoes.
Besides, there are takers for wild mangoes too. The people too are happy that they are having a great season for both jackfruits and mangoes almost after two years.
A single jackfruit is sold for Rs 50 – 100 as per the size. Meanwhile, a ripe jackfruit bulb aka 'chakka chula' is sold for Rs 5 in Tamil Nadu. Interestingly, ripe jackfruit bulbs are sold like hot cakes in the border districts like Sengottai and Tengasi. Meanwhile, up to 4 – 5 kilos of mangoes could be bought for Rs 100 in many parts in Kerala.
Tamil Nadu lorries that leave from Kerala after unloading vegetables and fruits in the markets often return with jackfruits. The merchants send jackfruits that are purchased on wholesale rates on the empty lorries to Tamil Nadu. The delicious seasonal fruit enjoy amazing demand at the local markets in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, mangoes from Tamil Nadu had good demand here. However, this year, people mostly prefer locally grown mangoes.
