Pre-monsoon rains expected to increase cardamom production in Kerala

16-Apr-2025 08:31 PM

Kochi. Continued summer rains in Kerala’s key cardamom-producing regions are raising hopes of higher production this season.

Unlike last year’s dry and hot weather, which led to a fall in output, the current year has already seen four rounds of rainfall in major plantation areas.

In Idukki district—home to Vandanmedu, Kumily, and Santhanpara—regular showers and timely fertilizer use are helping the crop grow well.

Experts believe that if one or two more rounds of rain occur, both the quantity and quality of cardamom could improve significantly.

Harvesting and seed preparation are expected to pick up from mid-July, with early arrivals possible even before that.

Last year’s drought from February to May had severely impacted Kerala and neighboring Tamil Nadu’s cardamom crop.

Although new saplings planted this year may not mature in time, improved weather and crop care are likely to boost yields in the coming seasons.