GANGTOK, : The large cardamom cultivation revival mission of Sikkim government
is gaining momentum under the guidance of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government
of India and involvement of nation’s top bio-tech institutes.
Chief
Minister PS Golay had last year launched the ‘MeroAlaichi, MeroDhan’ initiative
to revive large cardamom cultivation and to protect the livelihoods of Sikkim
farmers. The mission combines cutting edge science, technology and farmer’s
knowledge to revive large cardamom cultivation in Sikkim.
Backed
by the Government of India’s BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy,
Environment & Employment), this effort is now gaining nationwide support as
science joins hands with Sikkim’s farmers.
According
to the State Science & Technology department, a
national expert group has been crafting a roadmap for revival of large cardamom
cultivation in Sikkim under the guidance of the Department of Biotechnology
(DBT), Government of India. Top bio-tech institutes like NIPGR, ICGEB, NCBS,
TIGS, NABI, IBSD, Spices Board and ICAR are all on board.
It
was informed that that National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) is
studying the fungal disease-causing leaf blight and testing biocontrol
solutions while Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD)is
developing protocol for virus detection for deadly Chirkey and Foorkey
diseases.
Similarly,
ICGEB is working on breakthrough vaccines development to protect plants from
viral infections and also on the soil microbiome, informed the State Science
& Technology department.
Meanwhile,
Sikkim’s Science & Technology department researchers are leading
on-the-ground experiments, including farmer-led crossbreeding, and
collaborating with national labs.
A
pioneering mutation breeding trial using gamma irradiation is also underway in
partnership with TIGS, ICAR, DAE and Bidhan Chandra KrishiViswavidyalaya, West
Bengal.
It
was informed that a baseline survey is underway in collaboration with the Rural
Development department to access the status of large cardamom farming in
Sikkim. The Agriculture department is assessing the critical role of soil
health in managing disease.
It
was further informed that Sikkim University has promised to prioritize cardamom
research in their ongoing academic studies.
State
chief secretary R Telangis personally overseeing the revival, with a detailed
baseline survey, distribution of disease-free planting material, and
large-scale field demonstrations set in motion.
Large
cardamom, a native, high-value, niche cash crop and cultural heritage of Sikkim,
has been a vital source of livelihood for farmers. It is the third most
valuable spice in the world after saffron and vanilla, with a forecasted market
size of USD 289 million or INR 2500 crore in 2033. Sikkim’s legendary large
cardamom—fondly known as “green gold”- once known for its long life and rich
harvests, this iconic crop has seen its lifespan fall from 30 years to just
5–6, due to several factors such as disease outbreaks, monoculture farming,
soil health and others made worse by climate change.
This
science-driven mission is built on four key pillars: Protection, Innovation,
Sustainability, and Partnership. It’s not just about saving a crop—it’s about
restoring pride, prosperity, and resilience to the heart of Sikkim’s farming
communities.
The message is clear: ‘Mero Alaichi, Mero Dhan’ is not just a slogan—it’s a movement, it was informed.
