But contrary to expectation, its production slid by around 10 percent since then, jeopardizing the country´s prospect to reap full benefits from its trade.[break]
Data of Cardamom Development Central Office in Panda of Fikkal, showed the production of black cardamom fell to 5,517 tons in 2010/11 from 6,086 tons in 2004/05.
Even major production pockets in the eastern hilly districts have suffered a drop in productivity, the office said. “Cardamom´s productivity in 2004/05 was 0.54 percent and in the last fiscal year it was 0.44 percent,” a report of the office said .
The office attributed the fall in production and productivity to increased disease infestation and lack of adequate knowledge among farmers to fight them.
“In fact, diseases destroyed as much as 70 percent of total production last year. Despite all efforts, government´s technicians and farmers could not prevent the damage,” said Padam Adhikari, chief of the office.
If his statement is anything to go by, productions last year would have easily crossed over the total yield recorded in 2004/05 had farmers received agricultural extension services on time.
Farmers are presently reaping just about 22 kgs of cardamom per ropani (5476 square feet), whereas in the past its yield per ropani stood at 30 kgs.
Black cardamom is largely produced in Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Dhankuta, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Lamjung, Rolpa, Baglung, Parbat and Syanga in Nepal. Even though its farms have extended into Western Nepal, output from eastern region, which contributes around 90 percent in total production, largely dominates the market.
District-wise production data showed, Taplegunj was the largest producer with 2,100 tons. “The district exported Rs 2.19 billion worth of black cardamom to other districts, and a chunk of that export reach overseas markets as well,” said Moti Lal Yadav, Chief of District Agriculture Development Office (DADO), Taplejung.
Sankhuwasabha, Ilam and Panchthar were second, third and fourth largest cardamom producing districts. The best quality of cardamom is produced in Panchthar.
While a large chunks of the produce is consumed within the country, some are exported to countries like India, UAE and other Gulf countries. However, experts said the actual export of cardamom should be much higher than what the official figure showed, which stood at around Rs 1 billion.
“We cannot say its actual export volume though because a large chunk of produce finds way into Indian market through unauthorized channel and from there they are re-exported to other countries at higher rates,” said an official at the DADO.
As for the diseases, which have troubled the farmers greatly, Yadav said Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies and other non-governmental agencies have launched a joint initiative to control them.
“Under this initiative, we are suggesting the farmers to expand their farms by using high quality seeds, instead of resorting to traditional grafting practices,” said Yadav. Likewise, they have also stepped up facilities for timely treatment and other services.
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