Drought Threatens Cardamom Production in Idukki

Unprecedented Drought: Cardamom farmers in Idukki are facing drought-like conditions for the first time in recent history, posing a severe threat to their livelihoods.
Areas Affected: Major cardamom-producing areas such as Vandanmedu, Pathumury, Santhanpara, Nedumkandam, Kattappana, Anavilasom, and Chakkupallam have experienced significant plantation damage.
Farmer Testimonies: Farmers like Shaji and Thomas Mathai report drastic impacts on their crops, with Shaji noting the imminent threat of total plant loss if the drought continues for another two weeks.
Water Scarcity: Despite efforts at continued irrigation in anticipation of summer rain, water reserves are nearly depleted, and rainfall has not materialized.
Historical Context: The last major drought faced by cardamom farmers in the region was in 1982, which resulted in widespread crop failure and significant financial losses for farmers.
Future Concerns: Shine Varghese, of the Vandanmedu Cardamom Growers Association, anticipates that the ongoing drought and heat will significantly impact cardamom production in the following year.

Cardamom Industry in Kerala: Cardamom is a key agricultural product in Kerala, especially in Idukki, which is known for its ideal climate and soil conditions for cardamom cultivation.
Impact on Economy: The drought not only threatens the livelihood of local farmers but could also affect the local and national economy due to the importance of cardamom as an export commodity.
Climate Change Considerations: This event underscores the vulnerability of agriculture to climate change, highlighting the need for sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies.
Government and Community Response: The situation calls for immediate action from both the government and the community to support affected farmers and implement long-term solutions to mitigate such crises in the future.

Reason it's important : Cardamom crops in Idukki begin to wilt in severe drought

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 01 April 2024

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