Rain spells take a toll on cardamom plantations in Idukki

Heavy monsoon damages cardamom plantations in Idukki, affecting over 2,000 farmers with estimated losses of ₹9.54 crore.

The heavy monsoon spells have a taken toll on the cardamom plantations in Idukki, with the crop in 310.69 hectares suffering damage.

The major cardamom growing areas such as Anavilasom, Puttady, Mayiladumpara, Bison Valley, Vallakkadavu, Kumily, Wagamon, Pampadumpara, Kochera, Pachadi, Nedumkandam, Mavady, Shastamnada, Mali, Vandanmedu and Adimaly regions have been severely affected.

Shiju Ulluruppil, a cardamom farmer at Pachadi, near Nedumkandam, says rain and wind have destroyed cardamon plants in over one acre of his plantation.

Farmers say after the severe drought last year, they were hopeful of a productive season after receiving good summer rain. “The early monsoon and heavy wind have belied our hopes,” says a farmer.

Cardamom Growers Association executive member Moncy V.K. Koshi says small-scale plantations and large estates have suffered huge loss in the strong wind.

“With the cardamom harvesting season around the corner, it is difficult to give a production estimate given the crop loss of this magnitude. Farmers and planters are apprehensive about the season,” says Stany Pothen, Chairman of the Cardamom Planters Federation.

He sought the intervention of the State and Central governments to support farmers. “The cardamom sector provides livelihood to lakhs of people in the district,” says Mr. Pothen.