*Himachal Pradesh Media Delegation Visits South Regu Village in Sikkim to Study Large Cardamom Cultivation*
Pakyong, September : A media delegation from Himachal Pradesh today visited South Regu village in Pakyong district of Sikkim to gain first-hand insights into the cultivation, production and support provided to farmers engaged in large cardamom farming in the state.
The delegation was briefed by Dr. Tikendra Deka, Senior Scientist, Spices Board, Sikkim, on the scientific cultivation of large cardamom, suitable climatic conditions, production processes and challenges faced by farmers. Fellow Scientist Neelam also shared information on the support extended to farmers and replantation activities.
Large cardamom is one of Sikkim’s major cash crops. According to the Department of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim, the scientific name of large cardamom is Amomum subulatum Roxb., belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. It is primarily cultivated in the sub-Himalayan regions of Sikkim and the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, besides being grown in parts of Uttarakhand and other hill states of the Northeast. The crop is also cultivated in Nepal and Bhutan. Sikkim is among the major large cardamom-producing regions and has an important presence in the Indian and global markets.
The scientists explained that large cardamom thrives in cool and humid climatic conditions. An altitude of around 600 to 2,000 metres and temperatures ranging from approximately 4 to 25 degrees Celsius are generally considered suitable for its cultivation. Selection of appropriate varieties according to local conditions is important for achieving better productivity. The delegation was also briefed on different varieties of large cardamom and various methods of its propagation.
Dr. Deka informed the delegation that April to June is generally considered the suitable period for planting large cardamom and that plants may start bearing fruit in about two years. The inflorescence generally bears around 30–40 flowers. Bumble bees play an important role in pollination, after which the fruit develops as a capsule containing numerous seeds.
The delegation was also briefed on crop diseases, particularly fungal infections such as blight, and preventive measures adopted by farmers, including practices suited to organic farming conditions. The scientists highlighted that large cardamom has a relatively shallow root system and requires appropriate management for healthy growth and productivity.
Dr. Deka informed the delegation that large cardamom production in Sikkim is currently around 5,500 metric tonnes and that efforts are also underway to bring new areas under cultivation. He said that, besides Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh is also emerging as an important large cardamom-producing region. The delegation was briefed on efforts to expand cultivation in the region as well as aspects related to market competition.
The media representatives interacted with farmers to understand the ground-level challenges associated with large cardamom cultivation, production and livelihood opportunities. They also witnessed and learnt about the traditional post-harvest drying and curing process, under which the harvested crop is dried under controlled heat before being prepared for the market.
During the visit, the delegation gained insights into the scientific development of spice crops in Sikkim, technical support being provided to farmers and efforts to make large cardamom cultivation more productive and sustainable.
The visit was aimed at providing the media delegation with first-hand exposure to development initiatives related to agriculture, rural economy and farmers’ livelihoods in Sikkim.