K'taka gets Rs 42.28 cr for cardamon replantation

The Union government has sanctioned Rs 42.28 crore to Karnataka under the 'Special Purpose Fund for Cardamom' to initiate massive replantation during the 11th Five Year Plan. An area of 15,016 hectares will be covered under the scheme.

Cardamon, an important cash crop in the districts of Kodagu, Hassan, Chikmagalur, Shimoga and Uttara Kannada, is grown on 24,976 hectares by about 21,000 farmers.

Of the 15,016 hectares to be taken up for replantation by 2011-12, about 11,368 hectares are held by small growers (holding up to four hectares per farmer) and 3,648 hectares are held by other growers (holding four to eight hectares in the cardamom-growing districts).

The productivity has drastically fallen to 88 kgs per hectare from a high of around 200 kgs per hectare a decade ago due to viral diseases and old plantations.

"The special cardamon replanting scheme is aimed at improving productivity in the state and raising the yield to 200 kg per hectare. All arrangements for production of quality planting materials are being made to ensure the scheme's success," said a Spices Board official.

"By implementing the replantation programme, the viral diseases like Kattae and Kokkae Kandu, which are rampant, can be effectively managed. The economic status of the growers is also expected to improve," he added.

As part of the scheme, small growers holding upto four hectares are to get a subsidy of Rs 26,919 per hectare and growers holding four to eight hectares Rs 20,416 per hectare as subsidy for replanting cardamom plantations.

For small growers with up to four hectares, the first installment subsidy per hectare is Rs 14,950 and second installment Rs 11,969. For the four to eight hectare category growers, the first installment subsidy per hectare is Rs 11,350 and second installment Rs 9,066.

Two more new field offices are being opened in Karnataka at Bhagamandala in Kodagu and Vanagoor in Hassan in addition to the existing offices at Madikeri, Virajpet, Somwarpet, Sakleshpura, Mudigere, Koppa, Sirsi and Dharwad.