Cardamom is also known as Elaichi. Anciently, it is used for a variety of purposes, from clinical properties to additional taste characteristics. It is called the ‘Queen of spices’. Which is the third most expensive spice in the world after vanilla and saffron. It is used as a spice in cooking products and is found in use as medicine. The use of this spice is at least 4000 years ago. It is a spice, which is simply inbeatable in taste, taste and aroma.

Largest producer of cardamom in India

Kerala is the largest producer of cardamom in India, followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

1. Why is Kerala the top producer?

Kerala provides the right environment for cardamom cultivation with its humid, excellent climate, rich soil and well -distributed rain, which is naturally suitable for this spice. Farmers in Kerala use scientific techniques such as shadow management, accurate irrigation and organic agriculture to increase yields.

2. Major Cardamom Growing Regions in Kerala

Kerala is the cardamom centre of India. The following are the main production areas:

• Munnar
• Udumbanchola
• Peermade
• Vandanmedu
• Thekkady

These regions contribute the highest volume of small cardamom production in India.

3. Contribution of Kerala to India’s Cardamom Market

Kerala contributes to an important part of India’s cardamom production, which is 70% of the country’s total cardamom cultivation. Cardamom is mainly cultivated in the evergreen Western Ghats region of South India.

Idukki Cardamom: Unique in Its Flavour

• Idukki cardamom is known for its rich flavor, aroma and vibrant green. It is considered to be very valuable because of its bold taste of citrus and mint hernia. 
• The abundance of essential oils is the reason behind the rich aroma and taste. It forms that special characteristic flavor that makes dishes outstanding and hence becomes many a chef’s and home cook’s favourite.
•  These cardamoms are freshly handpicked, ensuring that they’re picked at the right time; hence, the freshness can be preserved for a long time. In this regard, the dedication to the quality avoids the slut.
• Cardamom prices are fluctuating. However, the Idukki green cardamom commands an excellent premium over others because of its high quality. Any other spices gives a flavor that does not make food. It’s totally a value-for-money spice that’s worth investing in.
• At Tastesy shop, we pride ourselves on sourcing only the freshest and highest premium quality cardamom from the region. Our Idukki Cardamom is carefully selected and sorted to ensure that only the best pods are used, giving you a product that is both flavourful and fragrant. 

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Other Major Cardamom-Producing States in India

1. Karnataka

Karnataka is the second-largest producer of small cardamom, contributing around 20% of India’s total production. The main regions for cardamom cultivation in Karnataka include:

• Coorg (Kodagu)
• Chikmagalur
• Hassan

Farmers here benefit from similar climatic conditions as Kerala, but production volumes are lower.

2. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is third in small cardamom production, and 10% contributes to the total release Key regions include:

• Theni
• Dindigul
• Madurai
• Nilgiris

The state’s cardamom farming is relatively smaller in scale compared to Kerala and Karnataka.

3. Sikkim and Other Northeastern States (Black Cardamom)

The government has performed very well in making cardamom, especially black cardamom. Other northeastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland also cultivate black cardamom, but Sikkim alone contributes to more than 80% of India’s total black cardamom production.

Factors Influencing Cardamom Production in India

Climate-related factors:

• Rainfall: The most important factor, random distribution, and potential dryness can significantly affect the yield.
• Temperature: The best temperature range for cardamom growth is between 18-28 C; the variations can affect the production.
• Height: Healthy cardamom growth requires more humidity.
• Altitude: Cardamom grows up to 600-1200 meters above sea level.

Soil and environmental factors:

• Soil type: Clay soil with well-drained, high organic material is preferred. 
• Shade requirement: Cardamom requires significant shade to flourish from other trees.
• Slope and aspect: The slope and directional cardamom growth of the land can affect microclimate.
• Deforestation: Excessive deforestation can disrupt the natural ecosystem required for cardamom production.

Management procedures:

• Crop variety selection: Choosing suitable cardamom cultivars adapted to local conditions.
• Planting density and spacing: The right space for optimal light and air circulation is important.
• Irrigation Management: Auxiliary irrigation is essential in dry times. 
• Fertilization: The use of adequate nutrition, especially potassium, is important for healthy growth
• Pest and disease control: Effective management strategies against common cardamom insects and diseases.

Economic and market factors:

• Market price fluctuations: Market price fluctuations affect farmers’ offers.
• Labour availability: Access to labour for cultivation and harvesting activities. 
• Post-harvest handling: Proper drying and processing methods to maintain quality and value.

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Challenges in Cardamom Cultivation

Cardamom is very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, rain and humidity in the Indian cardamom mountains (WG) within the Western Ghats (WG). This is especially vulnerable to changing seasonal weather systems.

Because of the high climate -sensitive crop, all of this affect the overall production of cardamom. Deforestation and the resultant climate maladies aggravate their crises.These unpredictable weather events can damage cardamom crops.  Biodiversity loss and soil-water environmental degradation threaten cardamom cultivation.

The average gap between the harvest of cardamom is usually 55 to 60 days, but now it has increased from 85 to 90 days. Scientists point to climate change as the cause for this delay in harvest. According to farmers, the lack of proper southwest monsoon is delayed.

Conclusion

Kerala stands as the largest producer of cardamom in India, especially in Idukki and earlier districts. Its excellent climate, with fertile soil and advanced agricultural techniques, dominates green cardamom production. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu also contribute significantly, while Sikkim is leading black cardamom cultivation. Since India is a key player in the global spice market, promoting agricultural techniques, accepting stable practices, and ensuring better prices for farmers can further improve cardamom production.