A cardamom plantation covered with green net near Kumily in Idukki.
| Photo Credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY

The ongoing climate situation in the cardamom-producing areas of Idukki poses a threat to farmers.

The farmers suspect that the district is likely to experience the drought-like situation it witnessed last year (2024). Considering this, the farmers have already covered their plantations with green nets and started irrigation. Farmers said that last season the hot weather started in the first week of March, but this year similar conditions had been prevailing since the first week of February.

Stany Pothen, chairman of the Cardamom Planters Federation, expressed deep concern over the situation. “On Thursday, the day temperature crossed 28°C in my cardamom plantation. If the situation continues, the cardamom sector will face another drought-like situation. The cardamom farmers have not yet overcome the losses sustained from last year’s drought. If another drought season occurrs, the farmers will not be able to survive,” said Mr. Pothen.

Mathew Joseph, a farmer at Vandanmedu, said that he already started irrigating his cardamom plantation. “This season I started irrigation from the last week of January. But if the same situation continues, I won’t be able to manage with the stored water,” he said.

According to farmers, the major cardamom farming areas of Vandanmedu, Pathumury, Santhanpara, Nedumkandam, Kattappana, Anavilasam, and Chakkupallam are experiencing high daytime temperatures.

Crop loss last year

In 2024, the cardamom-growing areas witnessed drought and the farmers suffered huge losses. Full crop loss was recorded on 16,211 hectares and partial crop loss on 13,349 hectares. A total of 22,311 affected farmers have been identified.

According to sources, the Idukki district agriculture office has already submitted a detailed report to the government on crop loss in the district’s cardamom sector.