Status and Prospects of Large Cardamom Cultivation in India

Abstract

Large or black cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) belongs to family Zingibereaceae and order Scitaminae is one of the important cash crops cultivated largely in the eastern Himalayan region viz., Nepal, Bhutan and Indian states comprising of Sikkim, Uttaranchal, Darjeeling district of West Bengal and recently popularized in North Eastern states. However, during the last decade there has been decline in area and productivity under large cardamom due to multiple factors, it has drastically affected the livelihood of the rural- farming community.  Earnest steps should be taken to sustain the livelihood of large cardamom growers. This review addresses the major challenges faced by the large cardamom growers and suggestions or means to restore/enhance the area and productivity; thereby to protect and promote the livelihoods of peasantry. Integrated management with respect to agronomic practices , plant protection measures and post harvest handling approaches have been suggested to resynergise the large cardamom production in the traditional  growing areas.