Rambutan cultivation is becoming a new commercial strategy for Kerala farmers.

In the districts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Wayanad, and Idukki, traditional rubber production is facing difficulties due to falling prices, labor shortages, and weather factors. Against this background, farmers have begun actively converting land to rambutan orchards. According to the Rambutan Mangosteen Farmers' Organisation, the area of these plantations in the state has reached nearly 25,000 acres. Seasonal production volume is estimated at 100,000 tonnes, generating around 1,000 crore rupees in income.

M C Saju, who heads the Rambutan Mangosteen Farmers' Organisation, notes the high economic efficiency of the crop. Trees begin fruiting in the third year, with productivity gradually increasing: from 30 kg in the first year of harvesting to 300 kg per tree thereafter. According to farmers' calculations, at a price of 100 rupees per kg, the income per tree can reach 30,000 rupees. For comparison, the maximum profit per hectare of other traditional crops is limited to 2.5–3 lakh rupees.

Despite the attractive economic indicators, the industry faces logistical challenges. Rambutan is a non-climacteric fruit with a short storage life, requiring specialized refrigerated transport and modern packaging systems. Currently, produce is sold mainly in Chennai and Bengaluru, however, experts point to the potential of markets in Hyderabad, Delhi, and Navi Mumbai.

To develop the sector, farmers are calling on the government to facilitate the creation of cold chain logistics, promote products in domestic and international markets, including countries in the Persian Gulf, and support Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO). A separate problem remains the spread of misinformation on social media during the harvesting period. Discussion of these issues is scheduled for the Rambutan Conclave 2026, which will take place on August 8 in Koothattukulam.