Cardamom plantation at Nedumkandam in Idukki. | Photo credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Kerala government has announced financial assistance for replanting cardamom. The project will be implemented under the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization (KERA) programme, a flagship initiative supported by the World Bank.
According to officials, a total of ₹2,365 crore has been allocated for the programs under KERA – which includes replanting of cardamom, rubber and coffee – with funding split between the World Bank (70%) and the state government (30%).
Suresh C. Thampi, head of procurement for the KERA project, said the initiative aims to introduce climate-resilient varieties of cardamom in the hilly region of Idukki to increase productivity and strengthen the local economy.
“The project proposes to replant 3,500 hectares of cardamom by replacing low-yielding plants with high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties. About 7,000 farmers are expected to benefit directly,” said Mr. Thampi. He added that farmers who planted new crops last season can apply and that the project encourages the use of varieties recommended by the Spices Council.
Eligibility
Officials said cardamom growers who manage holdings ranging from 25 cents to 8 hectares will be eligible for assistance in replanting up to 2 hectares. Along with financial support, the project will provide technical guidance and training in scientific farming practices adapted to climate-resilient cardamom cultivation to increase productivity and ensure better income.
The total assistance will be ₹ 1 lakh per hectare, paid in two installments – ₹ 50,000 in the first year and ₹ 50,000 in the second year. Mr. Thampi noted that the Spices Board offers a similar subsidy model and farmers who have already applied for the Spices Board subsidy will not be eligible for assistance under the KERA project. He further explained that growers managing more than two hectares can take advantage of bank loans under the KERA program, with the project providing a guarantee for these loans.
“Over the past decade, cardamom farmers have faced severe challenges due to extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts and heavy rains. Switching to climate-resilient varieties is the only sustainable solution,” Thampi said.
The sector welcomes the initiative
SB Prabhakar, a cardamom grower from Pampadumpara, said farmers suffered severe losses due to the 2024 drought but received little support from the state government or the Spices Board. “The new replanting initiative under the KERA project will be very beneficial for cardamom farmers,” he said.
Stany Pothen, member of Kerala Plantation’s business advisory committee, welcomed the move and called it a long-standing demand of the growers. “Such government interventions will boost the industry, which contributes crores of rupees to the state’s economy,” he said.
Farmers can apply for the subsidy through the official portal by submitting the required documents. After the submission, KERA field officers will conduct spot inspections to verify the plantations before processing the subsidy, Mr. Thampi said.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 20:48 IST
