Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ABSTRACT
India is the land of spices. Black pepper and small cardamom are popu-
larly known as king and queen of spices, respectively. Both the crops are
generally grown as rainfed crops and are grown in the temperature range
of 10-35 °C. Both are climate sensitive crops and under the present sce-
nario of climate change, both the crops may suffer. India has witnessed
0.6 °C increase in temperature so far and it is expected to increase further.
Decrease in winter precipitation with a lower number of rainy days and
more frequent drought and floods are also predicted. Agricultural produc-
tion is likely to be affected because of increase in temperature, decrease
in rainfall, increases in the frequency of drought, floods, heat and cold
waves, etc. and associated risks such as emergence of newer pests and
pathogens. Climate change in terms of increased temperature may reduce
the yield of black pepper in plains but increase in minimum temperature in
higher elevations may enhance pepper production. Cardamom production
is likely to increase with temperature rise. But decrease in rainfall, rainy
days and enhanced frequency of drought and heat waves are likely to bring
down the production of these crops. So, the challenge before the scientists
is to look for effective climate resilient agriculture strategies to mitigate
the ill effects of climate change.
11.1 INTRODUCTION
India is the land of spices. India grows more than 50 spices, though all
50 are not cultivated extensively. This is because of the gifted climate of
the country, varying from tropical to subtropical to temperate in different
parts of the country, which allows each state to grow one or more suitable
spices.
Table 11.1
shows area and production of spices in India and percent
share of each state to total spices production in India.Area under spices in
India is 2.6 million ha with a
production of 4.1 million tons. Spices
share
13% of the area and 2.0% of production of the total horticultural crops of
India. Spices exports have registered substantial growth during the last
five years, registering an annual average growth rate of 21% in value and
8% in volume. During the year 2010-2011, spices export from India has
registered an all time high both in terms of quantity (525,750 tons) and
value (Rs.6840.71 crores). Though grown under irrigated conditions in
