The results of a Research Study published in the journal “Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems” mentions that cardamom (Scientific name: Elletteria cardamom) is more climate sensitive than coffee. The 40% reduction in rainfall did not affect coffee production during 2017–2018 while the cardamom crop output was reduced by nearly 50%.
The study based on long-term climate data from the States of South India mentions that Climate Change will greatly affect production of Cardamom while coffee too will be affected to a lesser extent and is not so climate sensitive as cardamom.
The study also revealed that the population the indigenous forest trees is rapidly declining as they are very ancient and on the verge of elimination. Since the local trees including Karana and Cedar are more susceptible to wind damage, the study also recommended increasing the variety and density of the trees to maintain the shade level required for the crops. Since Cardamom Cultivation is quite popular in and around the Kumily region we request all members of our community to plant more trees and participate actively in tree planting campaigns.