Cardamom, loved by many, is an important spice most commonly used in tea, kheer, vermicelli and sweets. If farmers cultivate cardamom, they can earn good income. Especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, farmers are engaged in its cultivation. Loamy soil is considered best for cardamom cultivation, although its growth is also possible in laterite and black soil. For this, it is necessary to have a good drainage system in the field.
Features of cultivation
According to media reports, farmers should avoid cultivating cardamom on sandy soil, as it can cause losses. The ideal temperature for cardamom cultivation is 10 to 35 degrees Celsius. Cardamom has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which increase the body’s immunity. Apart from this, cardamom is also rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3, Calcium, Zinc, Protein and Potassium. Consuming cardamom regularly can provide relief from diseases like cough and cold.
Harvesting and Yield
If you want to cultivate cardamom, first of all plow the field well and plant the saplings during the rainy season. Cardamom fruits start coming two years after planting the plants. The special thing is that you can pluck cardamom at an interval of 20 to 25 days. One hectare can yield 135 to 150 kg cardamom.
After plucking, cardamom is dried in the sun. To maintain its green color, it is soaked in washing soda solution for 10 to 15 minutes and then dried in the sun for 18 to 20 hours. At present, cardamom is sold in the market for Rs 1500 to Rs 2000 per kg, due to which you can earn around Rs 3 lakh by cultivating cardamom in one hectare.
