Continuous heavy rainfall in Kerala's Idukki district, a key region for cardamom cultivation, has triggered landslides, damaging agricultural land and affecting crops like tea, cardamom, rubber, and pineapple. While consumption is currently weak, concerns about crop damage and festive season demand might support cardamom prices. The region faces frequent landslides attributed to climate change and deforestation. The ongoing monsoon exacerbates the situation, with warnings of thunderstorms till October 28.
Highlights
Cardamom prices in Kerala have been affected by landslides caused by heavy rainfall in the Idukki district. The landslides, which are more frequent due to climate change and deforestation, have damaged over an acre of agricultural land in the Nedumkandam area. The incident occurred in the 20th ward of the panchayat, and minor landslides occurred in other areas. The heavy rains in Kerala pose a dual threat to the agricultural sector. Landslides and crop damage not only disrupt the local economy but also have ripple effects on global markets, especially for commodities like cardamom. The recurrent nature of landslides since 2018 reflects the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events, urging comprehensive measures for climate resilience.
# Landslides in Kerala's Idukki district impact cardamom, tea, rubber, and pineapple crops.
# Recurrent landslides since 2018 reveal climate change and deforestation consequences.
# Ongoing heavy rains, with a yellow alert for further rainfall.
# Damages include agricultural land, roads, and potential threats to dams.
# Concerns raised about the sustainability of agriculture in the face of extreme weather events.
# Challenges in the cardamom supply chain amidst potential supply issues from India and Guatemala.
# Festive season demand and crop concerns may support a rebound in cardamom prices.
Conclusion
Given the disruptions in key cardamom-growing regions, the supply chain may face challenges from both India and Guatemala. Additionally, with the festive season approaching, there could be an uptick in demand. These factors, coupled with ongoing climate-related concerns, suggest a potential bounce-back in cardamom prices in the coming months.