Cultivation Of Cardamom

Cardamom cultivation in Kodagu typically takes place on small-scale plantations, with many farmers growing the spice as a cash crop alongside other crops like coffee and pepper.

The cardamom plant is a perennial that can grow up to 4 meters in height. It prefers warm and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C and annual rainfall of 150-200 cm. The plants require well-drained soil and partial shade, and are often grown under the canopy of taller trees like coffee and pepper.

Cardamom plants produce pods that contain the seeds that are used as a spice. The pods typically ripen between August and January, and are harvested by hand. After the pods are harvested, they are washed and dried in the sun before being processed for sale.

In Kodagu, cardamom is primarily grown using traditional methods, with farmers using organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods. The spice is often marketed as "organic" or "natural" due to its sustainable cultivation methods.

Overall, cardamom cultivation in Kodagu is an important part of the local economy, with many farmers relying on the spice as a source of income. The region's unique climate and growing conditions make it an ideal location for the cultivation of this valuable spice.