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.

Effect of Microsprinkler Irrigation and Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield, Water Use Efficiency and Macronutrient Accumulation of Large Cardamom in Sub-Himalayan Region of India

“…Presently, the total world's production of large cardamom is about 12278 metric tons and Nepal shares the largest production (52%), followed by India (37%) and Bhutan (11%) (Singh and Pothula 2013;Sharma et al 2016). It is one of the principal agricultural cash crops in the sub-Himalayan regions for livelihood and food security and plays a significant role in the farm economy by providing employment opportunity and house-hold income generation (Sharma and Katoch 2019). Large cardamom is rich sources of mineral nutrition, containing potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and manganese and many health promoting bio-active substances like vitamin C, riboflavin and niacin.…”