BHOJPUR: Farmers in Bhojpur are increasingly turning to cardamom cultivation after a sharp rise in its market price reignited interest in the high-value cash crop.
Shiva Kumar Bista of Temkemaiyung-5 said that many farmers have resumed planting new cardamom gardens and are actively maintaining old ones.
He noted that the price of cardamom had reached Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 120,000 per quintal last year, which motivated farmers to replace traditional crops with cardamom.
A few years ago, declining prices had discouraged expansion, with many growers abandoning or downsizing their plantations. However, the recent price increase has sparked renewed enthusiasm.
Rajesh Bista, President of the Cardamom Entrepreneurs’ Federation, confirmed the expansion trend and emphasized the need for state-backed technical support.
“With proper guidance, farmers could significantly improve their income,” he said, adding that the appointment of agricultural technicians in cardamom-growing areas is crucial for disease and pest control.
“Prices have encouraged farmers, but challenges remain,” Bista explained. “In several places, diseases and pests are spreading. If technical assistance were provided, yields and earnings could rise substantially.”
He also recommended conducting soil tests and establishing new nurseries to improve crop quality and sustainability. In Temkemaiyung-5 alone, around 150 farmers are engaged in commercial cardamom farming.
According to the Agricultural Knowledge Center, cardamom is cultivated on approximately 597 hectares in Bhojpur. Popular varieties grown include Ramshahi, Golshahi, Dambarshahi, and Jirmale.
Comment