As another cardamom harvesting season approaches in July, the absence of proper monsoon rains has cast a shadow over farmers’ hopes and created an alarming situation across major growing areas.

Monsoon rains are integral to the health of cardamom plants. Without adequate rainfall, farmers face a severe drop in production for the upcoming season. Local growers said they had expected a bountiful harvest, but the lack of rain has halted capsule setting on the plants.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data through June 17, Idukki district is facing a 38% rainfall deficiency. The normal rainfall for this period is 370.4 mm, but the district has received only 228.6 mm.

According to Spices Board sources, complaints have been pouring in from farmers who report that new capsules are failing to set despite the application of fertilizers and pesticides. “We have not yet collected data on the expected production for next season, but the reality is that the current climate is not favorable for cardamom plants,” a source said.

Prince Mathew, an agricultural consultant based in Idukki, said climate fluctuation is the primary challenge facing the cardamom sector this season.

“Normally, cardamom-growing areas receive good rainfall in June, July, and August, with temperatures hovering between 20℃ and 25 ℃. But this year, if it rains one day, the temperature drops to 20℃, only for extreme heat to return the next. This climate fluctuation is causing severe stress to the plants,” Mr. Mathew said.

Stany Pothen, a planter and member of the Kerala Plantation Business Advisory Committee, said that the failure of monsoon has created an alarming situation. “The month of June is crucial for cardamom farmers, and the absence of rain could impact the entire season’s yield. We are expecting a massive drop in production for the next harvesting season,” Mr. Pothen said.

Shajeesh Jan, an Associate Professor of Agricultural Meteorology at RARS Ambalavayal, noted that the current weather pattern indicates the development of an early-season drought due to a prolonged break in the monsoon.

“Monsoon rainfall is crucial for the growth and productivity of crops such as pepper, paddy, cardamom, and other plantation crops. In cardamom, monsoon showers play an integral role in flowering, fruit set, and capsule development. If the present break in the monsoon continues, significant moisture stress may occur, leading to reduced crop growth and yield. In cardamom, prolonged dry conditions can adversely affect bean setting and consequently reduce production in the forthcoming harvesting season,” Dr Jan said.

“The IMD has indicated the possibility of below-normal rainfall during June, partly due to the influence of El Niño conditions. The prevailing weather situation suggests an emerging early-season drought scenario, and if the rainfall deficit persists for an extended period, yield reductions may be expected in several rainfed and plantation crops across the region,” Dr Jan added.