With cardamom harvest season approaching in July,farmers in key regions brace for tough times. Monsoon rains have failed them. Production could drop sharply,leaving growers worried. In Idukki district,rainfall hit just 228.6 mm — a shocking 38% short of the 370.4 mm expected by now.
Farmers voice growing concerns as lack of moisture stunts new capsule development. Fertilizers and pesticides aren't helping much,either. “We haven't collected data on next season's expected production, but current climate isn't favorable for cardamom,” said Prince Mathew,agricultural consultant in Idukki. He stressed climate fluctuations challenge sector this year.
Normally,cardamom regions get steady rain in June,July,August,with temperatures between 20℃ and 25℃. But this year’s weather is erratic. “It rains one day,temp drops to 20℃,then extreme heat returns. Climate fluctuation stresses plants,” Mathew noted.
Stany Pothen,a planter and Kerala Plantation Business Advisory Committee member,shared these concerns . He warned June's lack of rain could ruin the entire season's yield. “We expect massive production drop next harvest,” he said . June's critical for cardamom farmers.
Shajeesh Jan,Associate Professor of Agricultural Meteorology at RARS Ambalavayal,says current weather patterns hint at early-season drought,aggravated by a long monsoon break. “Monsoon rain is crucial for crops like pepper,paddy,cardamom,” he explained. Jan noted monsoon showers are vital for flowering,fruit set,capsule development in cardamom . If dry conditions persist,moisture stress could slash crop growth and yield.
Jan added the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts below-normal June rainfall,partly due to El Niño. He warned continued rainfall deficit could cut yields across various rainfed,plantation crops in region…
