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Madikeri: In a significant advancement for agriculture, two new varieties of cardamom developed by the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, were among the 109 climate-resilient crop varieties unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Sunday. These new cardamom varieties, named IISR Manushree and IISR Kaveri, showcase advanced drought tolerance, addressing a crucial challenge for cardamom cultivation in water-scarce regions.
The IISR regional station at Appangala in Madikeri in Kodagu which falls under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), played a pivotal role in the development of these varieties. The institute is renowned for its work in the conservation, characterization, and utilization of cardamom genetic resources.
The release of these varieties is seen as a breakthrough for the cardamom industry, which has been grappling with moisture stress affecting crop yields. S.J. Anke Gowda, Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-IISR's Appangala station, along with his research team, developed these varieties through meticulous research and clonal selection.
IISR Manushree: Drought Tolerance with High Yield:
IISR Manushree, developed through clonal selection, stands out for its moisture stress tolerance. Under irrigated conditions, this variety yields an average of 550 kg of capsules per hectare. In contrast, it can still produce a respectable 360 kg per hectare under moisture-stress conditions. The variety also boasts a high essential oil content, ranging from 8.74% under irrigated conditions to 8.84% under stress conditions. This makes IISR Manushree particularly suitable for cultivation in the cardamom-growing regions of Karnataka and Kerala.
IISR Kaveri: Compact and High-Quality:
The second variety, IISR Kaveri, is a compact flowering type, also developed through clonal selection. It demonstrates similar drought tolerance with an average yield of 482 kg of dry capsules per hectare under irrigated conditions and 308 kg per hectare under moisture-stress conditions. IISR Kaveri's essential oil content is notably high, with 9.08% under irrigated conditions and 9.51% under stress conditions. This variety is well-suited for cultivation in Karnataka, particularly in areas experiencing moisture deficits.
Addressing Soil Moisture Challenges:
One of the significant challenges in cardamom cultivation has been soil moisture management. Many regions, especially non-traditional cardamom growing areas, have seen a surge in interest from younger farmers. However, moisture stress during the summer months has impeded their efforts. The introduction of these drought-tolerant varieties offers a viable solution to this issue, potentially enhancing cardamom production and expanding cultivation areas.
Market Potential and Future Outlook:
The new varieties are expected to meet growing consumer preferences for high-quality green cardamom and bold capsules. With IISR Kaveri's high proportion of bold capsules, it is anticipated to command a premium price in the market, further incentivizing cultivation.
Overall, the introduction of IISR Manushree and IISR Kaveri represents a significant advancement in cardamom agriculture. By addressing the critical issue of moisture stress, these varieties promise to boost production, expand cultivation areas, and enhance market competitiveness, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
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