Two innovative varieties of cardamom, developed by the regional station of the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Appangala, Madikeri, were among 109 climate-resilient crop varieties released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Sunday. These developments mark a significant milestone in India’s agricultural research and efforts to combat climate change effects on farming.
The ICAR-IISR regional station in Appangala, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has been at the forefront of conserving, characterizing, and utilizing cardamom genetic resources. The two newly developed varieties, named IISR Manushree and IISR Kaveri, are notable for their drought tolerance, a crucial trait given the increasing impact of climate change on agriculture.
IISR Manushree
Developed through clonal selection, IISR Manushree is a cardamom variety that shows remarkable tolerance to moisture stress. Under irrigated conditions, it produces an average yield of 550 kg of capsules per hectare, while under moisture-stress conditions, the yield is 360 kg per hectare. The variety also boasts a high essential oil content, with 8.74% under irrigated conditions and 8.84% under moisture stress. This variety is recommended for cultivation in the cardamom-growing regions of Karnataka and Kerala.
IISR Kaveri
Similarly developed through clonal selection, IISR Kaveri is a compact flowering variety of cardamom. It produces an average yield of 482 kg of dry capsules per hectare under irrigated conditions, and 308 kg per hectare under moisture-stress conditions. This variety is particularly notable for its high essential oil content, with 9.08% under irrigated conditions and 9.51% under moisture-stress conditions, making it suitable for cultivation in Karnataka.
The development of these two varieties was led by S.J. Anke Gowda, Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-IISR, RS, Appangala, along with his team. The varieties recently received regulatory approval from the Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notification, and Release of Varieties for Horticultural Crops.
These new varieties represent a significant advancement in the cultivation of cardamom, particularly in regions prone to drought, and underscore the ongoing efforts of Indian agricultural scientists to develop crops that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.
