NEWS – The production of key spice crops—cardamom, ginger, and pepper—in Karnataka has been significantly affected by heavy rains from July to August. This has left many growers disheartened due to substantial losses.

Crop Production Forecasts

Pepper

• Expected yield reduced to 25% of normal levels.
• Karnataka is the largest producer of pepper in India, with 2,22,394 hectares under cultivation.
• Projected production for 2023-24 is 89,000 tonnes, compared to 80,805 tonnes in 2022-23.

Cardamom

• Anticipated production decrease of 50%.
• Grown on 25,135 hectares, typically harvested from late August to November.

Ginger

• Projected decline in production by 30-40%.
• Cultivated over 40,000 hectares in the state.
• Reports of losses due to diseases like koleroga (rotting disease).

Challenges Faced

• Premature Ripening: Cardamom ripened prematurely due to excessive rainfall.
• Quality Degradation: Prolonged rain reduced the size and quality of cardamom pods.
• Harvesting Difficulties: Continuous rains hindered the drying process and harvesting efforts.

Impact on Crop Growth

Pepper Growth Stages

• The continuous rain and winds during the blooming period caused extensive damage, with many farmers reporting losses of up to 85%.
• The adverse weather affected the emergence of spikes, leading to fewer peppercorns.

Cardamom and Ginger Harvesting

• Rainfall challenges prevented the drying of harvested cardamom.
• Ginger farmers reported extensive losses and challenges related to disease outbreaks.