RESEARCH

Research Department is mandated to undertake basic and applied research on small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) and large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.). The research programmes are planned and carried out mainly on crop improvement, biotechnology, crop production studies for water and nutrient management, crop protection studies for Integrated Pest and Disease Management in small and large cardamom and adaptive trials on other spices. Technologies developed through research programmes are extended to farmers and targeted groups through various extension activities such as advisory services, scientist-farmer interface, mobile spice clinics, webinars, workshops, training programmes and audio-visual and print media. Research programmes are envisaged to develop updated strategies and create awareness to minimize pesticide usage in cardamom, encourage practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Disease Management (IDM) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) systems as well as organic farming.

The objective of the research department is to undertake comprehensive research, encompassing both basic and applied aspects, related to small and large cardamom. The research programs on small cardamom and large cardamom are strategically designed and reviewed in the Annual Research Council meeting monitored by external experts from other nationally reputed Agricultural Universities / Institutes in the concerned discipline. The programs focus on scientific interventions and research work necessary to sustain the production and productivity of small and large cardamom, thereby ensuring high quality and traceability to enhance the exportable surplus. The research programs contribute to expand the export potential of these spices, ultimately benefiting the growers and the economy of the country..

Thrust areas of Research for sustainable production and productivity of small and large cardamoms are:

• Developing high yielding varieties which are tolerant to drought, insect pests and diseases.
• Gene sequencing of cardamom accessions in germplasm for identifying unique lines.
• Formulating technologies for easy detection of viral diseases.
• Developing Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in small and large cardamom.
• Developing technologies for the management of insect pests / diseases of cardamom through integrated approaches.
• Development and evaluation of various post-harvest machineries in spices and development of value-added products of spices.
• Transfer of technology to stakeholders of small and large cardamom.