Low rain hampers cardamom crop in Kerala, Tamil Nadu

The lack of rains in cardamom plantation areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu has raised concerns over the outcome of the next crop season. Harvesting might get delayed this year by 3-4 weeks due to drought in plantation areas of Idukki district, the major producing centre for the spice.

According to KM Michel, president, Cardamom Growers Association (CGA), harvesting would begin by August this year and be active only by September. Fresh season’s cardamom is expected to hit the market by mid-July.

Growers’ estimates indicate a 20-30 per cent fall in production in the season owing to extremely hot climate during May. The average annual crop of the spice is 11,000 -12,000 tonnes.

Plantations suffered heavy damage due to the heat and lack of rain. Since rains are considered essential for the survival of the plant, a low output is expected this year.

Normally, May gets plenty of summer shower which is the life line for cardamom plants. But this time there were little summer showers in the last month. Though monsoon is now active in most parts of Kerala, the high ranges of cardamom plantations are still devoid of rain. Moderate, but timely rainfall is very essential for the growth of cardamom plants.

Low lying areas of Idukki district like Kattappana, Kulamavu, Cheruthoni have got monsoon showers but high ranges are still under the clutches of extreme summer heat.

Growers expect heavy monsoon within next 5-10 days. If plantations get rain within a week or two, the condition will change and production will pick up. But the present climatic condition does not favour better production in this season, said a leading grower.

Meanwhile, the average price of cardamom has edged up to Rs 650 -700 a kg as the market has limited stock. Farmers are unleashing their old stock because of better price realisation. The spice got an average price of Rs 500 a kg in the last season. There is a good demand for cardamom but the course of action in the cardamom mart is completely dependent on the monsoon.