Large Cardamom Crisis in Nepal: Challenges, Recovery & Future

Kathmandu: Widespread Fusarium wilt disease has led to the destruction of numerous large cardamom farms in the wild and forests. Compounding the problem, the dwindling numbers of bees and butterflies disrupt the pollination process, causing a steady drop in production. 

In addition to this, the excessive use of pesticides and the effects of climate change have further harmed large cardamom farming. Consequently, farmers suffer millions in losses each year. Botanists explain that 90% of wild flowers, 75% of food crops, and 35% of agricultural crops worldwide rely on animal pollination.

The decline in animal pollinators is expected to result in decreased large cardamom production. Over 80% of animal pollination is performed by insects, with butterflies being the primary contributors—accounting for nearly 80%, as highlighted by Prof. Dr. Resham Bahadur Thapa.

Not just domesticated, but wild solitary butterflies and various insect species are all vital for pollination. However, farmers have not been adequately educated about this fact. The consequences are evident not only in food crops but also in cash crops. Senior Plant Protection Officer Devraj Adhikari noted that the continuous decline in bees and butterflies due to pesticide use has affected large cardamom production. Another major reasons for reduced production of large cardamom are:

• low fertilization
• low irrigation
• less practice of refilling the empty space where plants died due to various reasons

Large Cardamom farming supports 70,000 farmer families across east and mid-hill districts. Krishna Prasad Humagain from Panauti Municipality-12 of Kavrepalanchok district used to sell large cardamom worth three lakhs annually but expressed distress at only producing three thousand rupees worth this year. He was unable to determine which disease ruined his farm.

Upendra Timilsina, a large cardamom seedling producer and seller across numerous Nepali districts, reported a significant decrease in large cardamom production over time. He stated that gardens belonging to most farmers in Koshi Pradesh – considered the 'epicenter' of cardamom production – have been destroyed. Timilsina added that even healthy gardens that have existed for 70 years were severely affected. Though exports remain stable due to last year's stock, stakeholders worry about a considerable drop in cardamom exports from next year. Nepalese large cardamom is highly regarded.

The cultivation of cardamom throughout Nepal has been affected due to the distribution of unhealthy saplings. Within a few years of production, entire gardens have been destroyed, informed Chief Rajan Pariyar of the Cardamom Development Center in Fikkal, Ilam. Issues have arisen due to pests and diseases in large cardamom. He mentioned that the transmission could have spread throughout the garden from saplings brought from another district. According to the "Statistical information on Nepalese Agriculture 2077/78 (2020/21)" published by MoALD, Nepal the total no. of districts where large cardamom planted is 56 and the total no. of districts, the production has been recorded is 54.

Even the farmers and farms are being affected by various pests and diseases, the annual trade statistics of the Department of Customs shows that the export of large cardamom has reached around NRs. 8.27 billion during FY 2022/23 which is 72 % higher. The export of cardamom increased by 72 per cent in the last fiscal year 2022/23 as compared to previous fiscal year 2021/22. Around 10,000 tonnes of large cardamom were exported in the FY 2022/23 while about 5,367 tonnes of large cardamom had been exported in the fiscal year 2021/22. But due to issues raised in farms of large cardamom, the production in coming year may be declined by 60% which may lead to the serious crisis.

Organizations such as Swisscontact is working with a vision "Grow export through trade facilitation and increase domestic demand through value-added cardamom products" through a project named "Sahaj- Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme". Similarly, CEAPRED is the consortium partner of Swisscontact to implement Sahaj with the vision.

Collaboration is essential in this sector. Practical Action Consulting is working as a cofacilitator for Sahaj to handle the "Sahaj Challenge Fund" for three themes namely:

• Branding, Packaging and Distribution Channel
• Product Development and Quality Improvement
• Climate and Environmentally Sustainable Services

To put it simply, it's not just about increasing the quantity of large cardamom. Instead, it's about establishing an environment in which every participant, from the hardworking farmer to the bustling market trader, can flourish. In this process, the remarkable spirit of Nepal's agricultural community truly comes alive.