Rainfall deficit and El Niño weigh on cardamom season in Idukki

As the cardamom harvesting season nears in July, deficient monsoon rains are causing anxiety among farmers in Kerala's Idukki district, a hub for the aromatic spice. The shortfall in rainfall has disrupted the crucial capsule-setting stage of the plants, threatening a drop in output.

Monsoon precipitation is fundamental to cardamom cultivation, supporting flowering, fruit development, and overall plant health. Without adequate moisture, farmers are witnessing poor capsule formation, even after applying fertilisers and pesticides.

Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) up to June 17 shows a 38 per cent rainfall deficiency in Idukki. The district received 228.6 mm compared to the normal 370.4 mm for the corresponding period. This significant shortfall has led to moisture stress in the plantations, which are mostly rainfed.

Officials at the Spices Board report receiving numerous complaints from growers about new capsules failing to set. "We are yet to compile production estimates for the upcoming season, but current climatic conditions are unfavourable for cardamom," a board source said.

Agricultural consultant Prince Mathew from Idukki attributes the problem to weather volatility. "Typically, the region receives reliable rainfall through June, July, and August, keeping temperatures in the 20–25°C range. This year, extreme fluctuations—cool, rainy days immediately followed by intense heat—are stressing the plants," he explained. Cardamom, being sensitive to temperature variations, suffers when such swings occur during its reproductive phase.

Planter and Kerala Plantation Business Advisory Committee member Stany Pothen underscored the severity, saying, "June is a critical month for cardamom. The ongoing dry spell could impact the entire season's yield, and we are looking at a massive drop in the forthcoming harvest."

Dr. Shajeesh Jan, Associate Professor of Agricultural Meteorology at RARS Ambalavayal, noted that the prolonged monsoon break is indicative of an early-season drought. "Monsoon showers are essential not just for cardamom but also for pepper, paddy, and other plantation crops. In cardamom, timely rains trigger flowering and bean setting. Moisture stress caused by continued dryness can significantly reduce crop growth and yield," he said.

Dr. Jan added that the IMD has forecast below-normal June rainfall, influenced partly by El Niño conditions—a climate phenomenon known to suppress monsoon rainfall over the Indian subcontinent. "If the rainfall deficit continues, we may see yield reductions across multiple rainfed and plantation crops in the region," he cautioned.

Cardamom, often called the 'queen of spices', is a high-value crop that features prominently in India's spice exports. Kerala accounts for a substantial share of the country's production, with Idukki being a prime growing belt. A downturn in production could affect not only farmer incomes but also domestic availability and trade.

With the monsoon yet to revive, the next few weeks will be decisive. Farmers and experts alike are hoping for a turnaround, but the prevailing El Niño conditions add uncertainty. In the longer term, such weather patterns may call for adaptive strategies, including water management and development of climate-resilient crop varieties.