Pepper crop for 2008-09 is estimated to be around 50,000 tonne, same as that of the previous year, as a fall in production in Kerala is compensated by an increase in Karnataka, sources said. The estimate for the new crop was put up for discussion at the Spices Board ahead of the annual meeting of the International Pepper Community (IPC). The board projects the domestic consumption to fall by 5,000 tonne to touch 40,000 tonne for 2008-09.
The crop survey is done by the Kozhikode-based Directorate of Cocoa, Arecanut and Spices Development.
Sources at the agency confirmed that the production in Kerala might fall 20%, while Karnataka might show an increase of 35-40%.
Meanwhile, traders estimate pepper production in Karnataka is to surge ahead of Kerala as erratic weather in the producing regions has affected the vines. “The Kerala crop could fall to 17,000-18,000 tonne. Changes in the monsoon pattern and diseases have affected the crop,” a trader said.
Karnataka crop grew steadily over the years and it could be near 25,000 tonne, he added. In Karnataka, pepper is grown mainly in the irrigated coffee plantations and is seen to be less monsoon sensitive.
The board seems to be in the correction mode on the domestic consumption figures, as it is seen reducing it by 5,000 tonne for the past two years. For the year 2006-07, the board had given the consumption estimate as 50,000 tonne. It is reasoned that up-country traders purchase the commodity, but are not seen transporting all of it from the terminal market of Kochi.