Cardamom growers alarmed by drought-like weather pattern in Idukki

Extreme temperature fluctuations and a prolonged dry spell in Idukki’s cardamom belt are raising concerns among growers, who fear a repeat of the devastating 2024 drought. Farmers say daytime temperatures in plantations touched 29°C by the second week of February — unusually high for this time of the year.

Muthusamy Murugan, former head scientist at the Cardamom Research Station of Kerala Agricultural University in Pampadumpara, described the trend as alarming. He said this February ranks as the third hottest in the past 25 years. With temperatures already at 29°C in cardamom-growing areas, he warned that heat levels could rise further in the coming days.

Farmers should prioritise irrigation and mulching to retain soil moisture around plant roots, he advised. Plantations located near forested areas such as the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Mathikettan Shola National Park and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary may benefit from cooler microclimates that help crops withstand heat stress.

Stany Pothen, a planter and member of the Kerala Plantation Business Advisory Committee, said temperatures on his Vellaramkunnu estate reached 29°C on February 14. Anticipating dry conditions, he began irrigating in January and has completed five cycles so far. “We are witnessing extreme cold in the mornings and intense heat during the day. This pattern is highly unfavourable for cardamom,” he said.

Following the drought in 2024, growers had hoped for a strong 2026–27 season beginning in July. However, if current conditions persist, yields could suffer again.

Agricultural consultant Prince Mathew said his team has been advising irrigation and mulching since January. For farms with limited water, they recommend spraying potassium silicate to reduce evaporation and improve moisture retention.

Climatologist Gopakumar Cholayil cautioned that shifting climate patterns disproportionately affect thermosensitive crops like cardamom, leading to income losses.

High-altitude regions such as Munnar and Thekkady have recorded morning frost and sharp midday heat. Data from the United Planters’ Association of Southern India Tea Research Foundation showed temperatures dipping to 4°C in Silent Valley and Devikulam, while daytime highs reached 27°C in Sevenmallay and Letchmi.