Approach Paper on

Approach Paper on :

Post Harvest Management and Value addition of large cardamom ( Amomum subulatum Roxb.)

Large cardamom Amomum subulatum Roxb. Family: Zingiberaceae also known as black cardamom enhance and intensify the taste of recipes. The capsule size is about 4 to 6 times bigger than small cardamom and has an acceptable taste, flavor and aroma that stimulate the taste buds when used in rice and meat preparations, besides a wide range of beverages and sweets. In India, it is a popular ingredient of pan masala. The oil is a precious ingredient in food preparations, perfumery, foods, medicines and beverages.

The crop is mainly grown in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. India being the largest producer of large cardamom, enjoys the status of monopoly in this spice. In India, the main production centers are the sub-Himalayan ranges of Arunachal Pradesh, part of Nagaland, Sikkim and Darjeeling district of West Bengal .The important large cardamom growing districts are as under:

TABLE 1: Large Cardamom growing districts of India during 2015-16

Sl No.

Name of the state

Major large cardamom growing districts

Districts where large cardamom cultivation started recently

Arunachal Pradesh

Lower Subansiri, West Siang and Anjaw

West Kameng, East Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Upper Subansiri, Upper Siang, East Siang, Dibang Valley, Changlang, Tirap and Longding.

Nagaland

Mon, Kiphire and Tuensang

Okha, Phek, Zunheboto, Mokokchung and Kohima

Sikkim

East Sikkim, North Sikkim, West Sikkim and South Sikkim.

West Bengal

Darjeeling District

(2)

India is the main producer and exporter of large cardamom. The crop is known by different names in different countries ( Table 2) . India is a traditional exporter of cardamom to the Middle East countries, Japan, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Singapore and UK. Pakistan is the single largest market for export. There is preference for scientifically cured quality cardamom with good colour. The major markets in India are Amristar, Kolkata, Delhi and Kanpur. The major commercial grades are Badadana, Chottadana, Kanchicut and non- kanchicut. India is the largest market for large cardamom produced by Nepal and Bhutan as well. 'Ramsey', Golsey', and 'Sawany' are names that register instant appeal worldwide.

Table 2: Names of large cardamom in different language

Hindi / Badi Elaichi
Spanish: / Cardamomo
French: / Cardamome
German: / Kardamom
Swedish: / Kardemumma
Arabic: / Hal
Dutch: / Kardemom
Italian: / Cardamomo
Portuguese: / Cardamomo
Russian: / Kardamon
Japanese: / Karudamon
Chinese: / Pai-tou-k'ou

(3)

Problems in Post Harvest Management and Value addition of large cardamom :

Proper post harvest management is very much essential to maintain quality and to get higher price. For maintaining superior quality whole production process right from the nursery to harvesting should be scientific and healthy.

A) Important consideration for post harvest management:

i) Harvest the crop at right maturity. Top capsules in a spike should be mature ( black in colour ).

ii) Do not use pesticide / fertilizer bags for collection of capsules during harvest. Bamboo baskets are ideal structure to carry the capsule. To avoid contamination pesticides / fertilizers bags should not be used.

iii) Do not delay removing capsules from the spikes after harvest. Delay in removing imparts blackish colour to the capsules.

iv) Remove extraneous matter and wash thoroughly the harvested produce before drying.

v) Adopt flue pipe system of curing to retain the original colour, aroma and flavour. Direct heating damages the colour of capsules.

vi) Dry the capsules immediately after harvest to avoid discoloration.

vii) Dried cardamom capsules should not contain more than 10% moisture for better shelf life.

viii) Remove tails after drying.

ix) Grade according to size and colour and store in moist proof containers.

x) Use polythene lined gunny bags for storing. Store in dry places and in wooden boxes.

xi) Take necessary precaution against rat and insect damages.

xii) The cured cardamom may preferably be sold soon after drying provided the growers get remunerative price.

(4)

B) Problems in post harvest management.

Large cardamom is traditionally grown in Sikkim and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal. The crop is comparatively new in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Many farmers are not aware of different scientific post harvest management practices. To make aware, the following points may be taken into consideration:

I) Awareness : Large cardamom is fetching high price in recent past. Large number of farmers have started cultivation without getting proper knowledge on cultivation as well as post harvest aspects. In this situation awareness on scientific post harvest management bears significant role. Spices Board, Department of Horticulture, KVKs of ICAR and State Horticulture Departments besides State and Central universities may play vital role. There should be location specific production and post harvest management technology for the farmers and extension personal.

II) Methods of curing: Knowledge about scientific method of curing is limited for most of the farmers. Demand for scientifically cured cardamom capsules are high and it fetches premium price in domestic and international market. Farmers in NE States are using traditional method of curing with direct heating technology which deteriorates the quality of the product. The product gets less price due to unattractive colour and un even drying. Spices Board has been promoting scientific method of curing system which was developed in Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Tadong in all the large cardamom growing belts of India. The system works in the indirect heating principle with regulated temperature( 50-550C) for which cure products retains attractive pinkish colour with high oil content. Demand for such product are high and market price also higher than the traditionally cured capsules. Besides this system, Kardi dryers may be tried in this region. College of Agriculture and Post Harvest Technology (CAE&PHT), Central Agriculture University, Ranipool; Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, PAU Campus Ludhiana, 0161 2313101, E mail ,; IIT Mumbai and also CFTRI, Mysore can be contacted for further required modification and improvement of curing

(5)

system suitable for high altitude and high humid area like north eastern states.

III) Storage and Packaging : Storage of any cured product in high humid areas like NE states is challenging task. Service of Indian Institute of Packaging , Kolkata, Block C. P. - 10 , Sector – V, Salt Lake , Bidhan nagar, Kolkata – 700091 , Tel : 033-23670763 / 23676016 Fax : 033-23679561 Email : may be taken for development of suitable storage and packaging technology. Few brand of large cardamom capsules from NE states may be developed.

IV) Value addition : In post Harvest Management value addition through, gradation, oil extraction, powdering etc play important role. Large cardamom capsules are sold from NE states in bulk without any popular grade and brand name. There is huge scope for value addition through gradation and packaging.

V) Transportation : Large cardamom is produced in remote part of the hilly region. Transportation is really a big problem. In situ curing should be encouraged. Transportation subsidy may be provided.

VI) Market linkage: Siliguri is the nearest well established market. However, recently Dibrugarh, Assam is coming up as an important market centre. Market linkage and export facilities need to be developed. Auction facility to be provided.

VII) Lack of area and Production statistics: For setting up any successful programme basic statistics on area and production is required. Up to date circle/ district /state wise data are lacking. Complete enumeration for collecting data is required.

(6)

C) Prospects

i) Vast untapped areas with suitable agro ecosystem: There are vast areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland which can be brought under large cardamom cultivation.

ii) Organic product: In North East, large cardamom is mostly cultivated without applying any chemicals. There is a good scope for certifying large cardamom of this region as organic.

iii) Low cost of curing and available input ( fire wood): Lots of firewood is available in the cardamom growing areas. Firewood based curing system may be encouraged to reduce cost of curing.

iv) Long shelf life of cured product: Properly cured capsules can be stored for longer period. There is no distress sale in large cardamom. Planters can sale the produce when the price is remunerative.

v) High value low volume crop: Due to its high value low volume crop transportation of the produce is easy.

vi) Eco friendly crop: It can be grown under forest cover without hampering the ecosystem. Due to less use of chemical pesticides it does not hamper quality of cured product as well as environment.

vii) Cultivation of unpermitted crop may be replaced with large cardamom: Large cardamom is a suitable crop to replace many crops whose cultivation is not legally permitted in some areas of NE states. Proper post harvest management, value addition and establishment of market linkage may help employment generation.

viii) Strategic location : NE states are located strategically in a suitable position for developing export market with Bangladesh and other South East Asian Countries .

ix) Sell counters: There should be sale counters for different spices in all the district head quarters of large cardamom growing districts besides some important towns in Assam

(7)

Action plan

Particular of Work / Place of Implementation / Remarks
Awareness Programme / Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland / Fourteen districts of Arunachal Pradesh & 8 districts of Nagaland. Two programme per year in each district
Capacity Training programme for beneficiaries farmers / -do- / Training on post harvest management and value addition by the relevant institutes.
Curing System / -do- / Modified bhatti / Indirect heating system should be encouraged
Storage / -do- / Scientific storage in polythene lined gunny bags to be encouraged
Gradation / -do- / Agmark/ BIS specification to be encouraged
Packaging Unit / -do- / No popular packaging system available in NE India. Need to be encouraged.
Transportation / -do- / Subsidy to be given to farmers.

Conclusion

Post harvest management and value addition is the most important but almost untouched aspects in terms of large cardamom. Development of brand for large cardamom capsules with specific grade need to be encouraged. A good networking between processor and traders/ dealers is very much required to make large cardamom cultivation most profitable and sustainable.

------