Heavy pesticide use pressures Kerala cardamom ecosystem
Farmers are applying up to 24 spray rounds annually to protect crops from pests and diseases caused by year-round flowering.
Cardamom growers in Kerala are facing increased pressure from pests and diseases due to soaring temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, according to The Hindu.
Muthusamy Murugan, former head scientist at the Cardamom Research Station in Pampadumpara, said nearly two decades of research show a steady increase in pesticide application across the region.
Murugan stated that farmers are now applying between 18 and 24 spray rounds annually, which includes 12 to 14 rounds of insecticides and fungicides.
The local market now contains over 50 synthetic insecticides and 51 fungicides, while Murugan warned that unlabelled, poor quality pesticides from neighbouring States are entering the region.
A farmer from Kumily said they often mix up to five or six products, including micronutrients and growth promoters, into a single tank to save on labour costs.
Geethu Jacob, a consultant in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, said these mixtures can lead to unpredictable reactions that may weaken chemical effectiveness or damage plants.