Cardamom production is likely to fall considerably this season owing to unfavourable weather conditions and high atmospheric temperature that prevailed in the cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) areas of the district.
The Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) at Myladumpara is conducting a study on the probable effect of the change in the weather. John C. Manithottam, assistant director, ICRI, told The Hindu on Thursday that there would be a fall in production and it cannot, however, be analysed now.
By July, a clear picture will emerge and if there is rainfall in November- December, the losses can be compensated. Mild rainfall or mist with low temperature is needed for a good harvest.
As per the estimate, there was 25,000 tonne production in the last season.
Mr. Manithottam said the land under cardamom cultivation had declined. However, the average production per hector increased considerably. In 1980s, the average annual production was just 3,000 tonne.
