Environmental changes like reduction in the number of raining days and variations in maximum and minimum temperature in the Idukki region of Kerala could undermine the long-term prospects of cardamom production in the nation. Kerala is the maximum contributor of cardamom to the country, having a share of around 70% in the total production, with Idukki accounting for the lion’s share. The world production of this spice is around 35,000 tonne per annum, with India producing 10,000-12,000 tonne annually.
According to the MS Swaminathan Commission, which studied the farm crisis in Idukki district, environmental factors have changed dramatically and could threaten the livelihood of millions of farmers. The commission found that the number of rainy days has been decreasing for both the south-west monsoon and the north-east monsoon.
The temperature data for the region reveals that maximum temperature is seen rising over the years, while minimum temperature is seen falling. The rate of decrease in minimum temperature is slightly lower, but very significant.
GSLHV Prasada Rao of the Agro-Meteorology department of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) says that physio-chemical changes occur in the plants due to changes in the monsoon pattern. Acidity increases and sugar content gets lowered with changes in the rainfall during June and July. In cardamom, the tillering is affected, he said. Cardamom needs low temperature, high humidity, and incessant drizzles. Heavy rains could damage the crop, while intermittent rains that keep the atmosphere humid augur well, Prasada Rao said.
The Swaminathan Commission also warns that the water table in the region has been decreasing and drought-like situations are frequent in the summer period.
