Farmers reap benefits with innovative Cardamom Special technology

Vadakkel Benoy Varghese, a cardamom farmer, in his plantation at Rajakkad in Idukki. The farmer is now using an innovative nutrient mix called Cardamom Special Technology on his entire plantation.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Cardamom farmers in Idukki are embracing an innovative nutrient mix, developed by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), and the results are promising. This mix, called Cardamom Special Technology, promoted by the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Idukki, is helping farmers reduce production costs while ensuring premium-quality cardamom capsules.

Vadakkel Benoy Varghese, a farmer from Rajakkad, started using this mix on one acre of his plantation last year as a trial. The result, he says, was remarkable, with healthier plants that had lush foliage, increased flowering, and high-quality capsules. “I am now planning to expand its use across my entire three-acre plantation,’‘ he adds.

The technology addresses key nutritional gaps in cardamom cultivation, explains Manju Jincy Varghese, subject matter specialist (soil science), ICAR-KVK, Idukki. “In Idukki, the overuse of fertilizers has become a matter of concern. Farmers often follow recommendations from pesticide shop owners without proper guidance, leading to increased costs, nutrient imbalances, and environmental harm,” she says.

“Cardamom plants often face issues like nutrient deficiencies of potassium, magnesium, zinc, and boron, which affect their growth and productivity. This special mix that can be applied as a foliar spray is an ideal solution for the challenging terrains of Idukki, where soil fertility is often low. The mix has also proven to be cost-effective and environmentally sustainable,” adds Ms. Varghese.

Ms. Varghese says that the IISR Cardamom Special provides a balanced mix of essential micronutrients when applied as a foliar spray. “This cost-effective solution enhances nutrient uptake, promotes plant growth, and boosts yield quality. At just ₹220 per kilogram, with a recommended dosage of 1 kg per 200 litres of water, farmers can spray it 2-3 times a year to meet the plant’s nutritional needs efficiently. The mix is available at ICAR-KVK, Santhanpara, “ she adds.

R. Marimuthu, senior scientist and head of ICAR-KVK, Idukki, emphasised the broader impact of this innovation: “The success of the IISR Cardamom Special underscores the value of location-specific agricultural technology. Beyond improving yields and profitability, it has revived interest in cardamom cultivation as a sustainable livelihood option in the district.”

Sunny M.K., a farmer from Rajakumari, near Nedumkandam, also vouched for the special mix. “I manage a five-acre cardamom plantation, and high production costs were a major challenge. I initially applied the IISR Cardamom Special on a smaller plot, and the result convinced me to expand its use across my entire plantation. By replacing other foliar fertilizers altogether, I have significantly cut costs while improving earnings. Encouraged by my success, two of my friends have now adopted the technology too,” he says.