The continuing drought situation in the cardamom producing centres of Idukki in Kerala and Bodinayakanore area of Tamil Nadu has shattered farmers’ hopes about the fresh crop. It is almost certain that the next crop season will be delayed by 1-2 months and harvesting will take place only by August.
According to K M Michel, president, Cardamom Growers Association, the production will be affected very badly as day-time temperature has increased by 4-5 degree celsius than the normal in the high ranges. Day-time temperature is currently above 30 degree celsius in most of the crop areas which has weakened cardamom plants.
According to estimates by experts and growers, a 30 per cent drop in production is most likely in the 2009-10 season. As per the Spices Board estimates, the total production in 2008-09 season will be 11,000 tonnes.
Though there were summer showers in the high ranges, most of the cardamom growing areas such as Udumbanchola,Vandanmedu, Puliyanmala, Peerumedu and Bodinayakanore were devoid of rains in the last 3-4 months. The current weather condition — high temperature during day and mists in night and early hours is not suitable for cardamom growing and this has badly affected the health of the plants. Day-time temperature of 20-24 degree celsius is ideal for the plants.
During the last season, farmers had fetched better prices for their produce as the average price was Rs 500 per kg. So the farmers were hoping that the situation improve further this season, which has been completely belied.
The continuing drought situation has affected the plants in almost 50 per cent of the major producing centres, said a leading farmer. “We hitched our hopes on better price realisation, but the drought condition has terribly upset our hopes,” he said. The situation will worsen further unless there are sufficient rains in the next 10-12 days.