Production and Problems in Large Cardamom Cultivation in the Sub- Himalayan Region of West Bengal

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum), locally known as ‘alaichi’, is commonly referred to as the queen of spices. India happens to be the second largest producer of this age old spice and shares about 37% of its global production. The present study attempts to analyze the financial & economic performance of Large Cardamom cultivation with the help of primary data collected from 60 randomly selected sample farmers from Kalimpong district of West Bengal during 2019-2020. It is cultivated as one of the most important cash crops in the study area. Garrett’s ranking technique is used to identify the major constraints faced during production of large cardamom. Discounted method of financial feasibility analysis explores Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) to be 3.01 and Net Present Value (NPV) to be ₹1, 99,929.92 (per ha per annum) at 7 percent discount rate confirming the financial viability and profitability of large cardamom cultivation. It is found that the crop exhibits upward trend in yield with its age and attains the ‘maxima’ at 6th year, in general. The net return is found to be highest between the age group of 4 to 6 years, 6thyear age garden giving the optimum yield and return. Attack of pest and disease is the major problem expressed by majority of the farmers along with other problems. Proper and timely technical guidance & suitable government initiative for development of ‘fore-warning system’, as well as establishment of newer plantation need to be encouraged with feasible assistance from the concerned line department(s).