Up to ₹4,000 per Kilogram: The Queen of Spices; Authentic Kerala Cardamom

Cardamom, often called the Queen of Spices, is one of the costliest and most aromatic spices grown in India. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are its main producers, with Kerala leading the way because of the Western Ghats’ unique climate. The combination of fertile soil, misty weather, cool winds, and well-distributed rainfall creates ideal conditions for growing premium cardamom that is famous worldwide for its flavour and quality.

 

A Season of High Prices

At present, cardamom prices range between 2,500 rs and 4,000 rs per kilogram, making it a highly profitable crop. Reports indicate that market availability is decreasing, which means prices may continue to rise. Because of this, many farmers in the high-range regions are focusing more on green cardamom cultivation. For most families here, cardamom remains the main and most dependable source of income.
 

However, climate changes, especially unexpected rains and high humidity, can affect plant growth, flowering, and yield. This year, the rains started early in May and have continued longer than usual. During such a time, farmers need to pay extra attention to plant care. The right maintenance steps can protect the plants, reduce diseases, and help improve overall production.
 

Key tasks during this season include:

• Regulating soil acidity
• Managing shade
• Fertilizer application
• Removing dried leaves and sheaths
• Weeding
• Drainage and irrigation control

 

1. Regulating Soil Acidity

Soil acidity has a direct impact on cardamom health and yield.

• Never apply materials like lime or dolomite directly to the plant base.
• Spread them in a circular band 60 cm to 1 metre away from the plant.
• Maintain a bandwidth of about 30 cm.

Using dolomite is especially beneficial because it provides both calcium and magnesium. Magnesium helps reduce yellowing of leaves, and liming helps bring the soil pH to the ideal range of 5.5–6.0. When the pH is balanced, the plant’s root system expands better, and the soil retains nutrients more effectively.
 

2. Shade Management

Cardamom thrives under filtered sunlight. Too much shade increases humidity and encourages fungal diseases, while too little shade stresses the plant.

• During the rainy season, prune the branches of shade trees to improve light penetration.
• Maintain around 50–60% filtered light for healthy growth.
• South-western slopes usually need more shade as they receive stronger sunlight.

If the plantation lacks enough shade, this season is ideal for planting new shade trees. Suitable varieties include:

• Korungatti (Acrocarpus fraxinifolius)
• Chandanavayambu
• Jamun (Java plum)

Shade trees should have small leaves, fibrous roots, and should not shed too heavily in summer. Planting a mix of species is always healthier for the ecosystem.
 

3. Planting Season

The monsoon period is the best time for:

• New plantings
• Replanting
• Filling gaps

Avoid planting on days of heavy rain, as excess moisture can damage seedlings. Always make sure water does not accumulate around the base of young plants.
 

4. Fertiliser Application

Cardamom requires a good balance of organic and chemical fertilisers.

• Organic manures like cow dung powder improve soil structure and nutrient levels.
• But during heavy rains, nutrients from chemical fertilisers can easily wash away.
• Excess organic manure in wet conditions may also encourage fungal infections.

To reduce soil-borne diseases, apply Trichoderma-enriched dry cow dung powder (5–10 kg) to plants above three years old. Trichoderma helps control fungal pathogens and improves soil fertility. After two weeks, apply chemical fertilisers in the recommended proportion.
 

5. Weeding and Earthing Up

Weeding should ideally be completed before the monsoon sets in.

• Earth up the clumps so that new tillers remain slightly raised above the soil.
• Ensure water does not stagnate around the clumps.

Varieties that produce tillers close to the ground are more prone to rot, so earthing up should be done carefully, depending on land slope and drainage.
 

6. Drainage Management

Excess water is one of the biggest enemies of cardamom during the rainy season.

• Create drainage channels throughout the plantation.
• Prevent waterlogging at any cost, as it leads to rot diseases.

Proper drainage keeps the roots healthy and reduces disease outbreaks.
 

7. Disease Prevention

Rainy months bring a high risk of fungal infections such as:

• Rhizome rot
• Capsule rot
• Root rot

Before the monsoon intensifies, farmers should spray preventive treatments like:

• 1% Bordeaux mixture
• Copper hydroxide-based sprays

These treatments are best done during May–June to give early protection before disease pressure increases.
 

Final Thoughts

With market prices rising and global demand increasing, cardamom continues to be one of the most profitable spice crops. But to achieve good yield and quality, farmers must adapt to weather changes and follow timely maintenance practices. From soil management to disease prevention, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring strong, healthy plants and higher income for farmers.