Appropriate technologies for raising new cardamom gardens

Abstract

Coffee, cardamom and pepper are the three most important commercial crops which are grown in almost similar ecoclimatic conditions in Western Ghats. Due to consistently encouraging prices available to coffee and pepper in recent times and very high fluctuation in prices of cardamom which in turn is mainly due to the stiff competition from Gautamalan cardamom both in India and International markets. cardamom has become a less preferred crop in recent times. In the present review, an attempt is made to review the adoptable technologies available for raising a new cardamom garden for a better' productivity and longevity. Selection of site. extent of area. soil testing and use of lime. drainage requirement. shade management. green manuring. soil and water conservation measures. selection of variety and mother plants for' stocking the planta tion with productive planting units. planting plan and plant protection measures are explained in brief. Adoption of the measures can help the planters to realise higher productivity and profitability in the long run.