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Madikeri: Surlabbi village in North Kodagu is grappling with severe distress as its cardamom crops have been devastated by relentless heavy rains. For years, local farmers have relied on cardamom cultivation, but this year has brought unprecedented losses due to adverse weather conditions.
The situation in Surlabbi is exacerbated by the harsh summer experienced earlier this year, which has further impacted cardamom plantations. Known for its distinctive aroma, faint green color, and small size, Kodagu's 'Coorg Green Cardamom' received geographical indication (GI) status a few years ago, signifying its unique quality and value. This prized spice is grown in the forest ecosystems of the Western Ghats and has a high market demand due to its superior qualities.
However, the current crisis has put the region's cardamom farmers in a precarious position. The heavy rains have caused severe damage, compounding the existing challenges faced by the agricultural community. Farmers in Kodagu are already dealing with substantial losses in coffee production, another major crop affected by the persistent rainfall.
According to Coffee Board officials, the ongoing rains have led to widespread berry dropping and the emergence of fungal diseases. These issues have caused significant distress among coffee farmers, as the excessive moisture has resulted in nutrient deficiencies and other related problems. While initial reports highlight the severity of the situation, a comprehensive assessment of the crop damage will be conducted once the rains subside to provide a clearer understanding of the impact.
The combined effects of heavy rainfall on both cardamom and coffee crops have put immense pressure on the farming community in Kodagu.
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