Large cardamom, known as the "black gold" of Sikkim, has long been the backbone of the state's economy. Sikkim, once the largest producer of large cardamom in India, contributed around 88% of India’s production and was a global leader. This perennial cash crop, prized for its use in culinary and medicinal applications, is now witnessing a devastating decline. The once-thriving cardamom plantations that dotted Sikkim’s hilly terrain have become unproductive, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of farmers who rely on this crop for income.
The decline, which began over a decade ago, is attributed to a combination of factors, including long dry spells, disease outbreaks, and pest infestations. However, one of the most significant challenges is Sikkim’s strict organic farming policy, which bans the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While organic farming practices have positioned Sikkim as a model for sustainability, the lack of permitted inputs has severely impacted the cardamom sector, as farmers struggle to control diseases and ensure healthy crop growth.
Sikkim’s government has introduced biopesticides, encouraged replantation, and promoted the use of natural fertilizers, but these efforts have only had limited success. Since 2004, more than 60% of cardamom plantations have become barren, reducing both the area under cultivation and the overall yield. This sharp decline has not only affected production but also plunged many smallholder farmers into financial insecurity. In the absence of an alternative cash crop, many farmers have little choice but to abandon cardamom farming altogether, further exacerbating the problem.
Adding to Sikkim's challenges, neighboring states like Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh have surged ahead in cardamom production. These states have adopted modern farming techniques and are not constrained by strict organic policies, allowing them to address pest and disease issues more effectively. Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are now emerging as the dominant players in the cardamom market, a position once held by Sikkim. This shift has had ripple effects, as Sikkimese farmers now face stiffer competition and falling prices for their already reduced yields.
The economic impact on Sikkim's cardamom farmers has been profound. For many years, the income generated from large cardamom was a lifeline for rural communities in the eastern Himalayan region. The state’s cardamom exports reached $50 million in 2010, providing vital financial support to families and driving local economies. However, as production has declined, so too has the income of these farming families. Many are now facing an uncertain future, with few alternatives for supplementing their income.
The situation demands urgent intervention. The state government must strike a balance between preserving its organic status and ensuring the sustainability of its cardamom industry. While the organic label provides access to premium markets, it is crucial to explore ways to make organic farming more viable for large cardamom, possibly through better pest control measures, access to organic inputs, and improved water management strategies. Moreover, encouraging crop diversification could help reduce the reliance on a single cash crop and provide farmers with alternative income streams.
To safeguard Sikkim’s agricultural heritage and the livelihoods of its farmers, it is essential for the government and stakeholders to take proactive measures. Developing resilient farming practices, providing technical support, and ensuring that farmers have access to markets for organic products are key steps in reviving Sikkim’s cardamom industry. Additionally, greater collaboration between government agencies and the farming community will be necessary to navigate the complex challenges posed by organic farming and climate variability.
The decline of large cardamom in Sikkim is not just a story of a crop in crisis; it is a story of the people whose lives are intertwined with this vital plant. Without timely and effective interventions, Sikkim risks losing not only its position as a leading cardamom producer but also a significant part of its cultural and agricultural identity. For the farmers of Sikkim, the future of large cardamom is uncertain, and without a comprehensive plan to address the crisis, the state could see its prized crop wither away for good.
Reference from - https://bioone.org/journals/mountain-research-and-development/volume-36/issue-3/MRD-JOURNAL-D-14-00122.1/Declining-Large-Cardamom-Production-Systems-in-the-Sikkim-Himalayas/10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-14-00122.1.full
(Rajen Subedi Chhetry is a Sikkimese from West Sikkim, Corporate Business Leader in Mumbai, Social Worker, ex-Entrepreneur, Ex- President Gorkha Youth and Student’s Association of India (GYASA), Ex-Delhi Police Northeast India Representative (DPNER) for Sikkim in Delhi. Views are personal. Email: rajen.chhetry@gmail.com)
