After the floods, pineapple farmers in the district have been plunged into a crisis with outbreak of plant diseases.

Fungal diseases and rot are major problems on hand, said Baby John, a veteran farmer in Moovattupuzha, speaking about the losses sustained by farmers across the crop spectrum in the State. Though only about 5% of the plants went under water during severe flooding in August, about 50% of the fruits over the coming three months may be lost to diseases, he said.