Livelihood Improvement through Sustainable Large Cardamom Cultivation in North Sikkim

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) belongs to family Zingibereaceae and order Scitaminae is the most suitable cash crop for the hilly terrain of the state of Sikkim. Likewise a large section of farmers in North Sikkim and most parts of Sikkim are engaged in large cardamom cultivation. For years cardamom has been the single most crucial cash crop to these stakeholders. However recent times have shown a steep decline in the land holdings, as well as productivity under large cardamom. Although not evident apparently, it has drastically affected the livelihood of a large section of the rural population. In Dzongu, North Sikkim where Indian cardamom Research institute in collaboration with ICAR has launched the National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) component -III, from 2007. The project has been able to experience and identify certain aspects which need closer attention and evaluation, if large cardamom as a cash crop or simply as a horticultural crop is to be cultivated in the State of Sikkim towards sustainable source of livelihood. The NAIP initiated, with the objective of development of improved farming systems in large cardamom plantation in Dzongu, North Sikkim.