African snail infestation threatens cardamom plantations in Idukki

An expert team visited the cardamom plantation under the Bison Valley panchayat in Idukki on Saturday to investigate the infestation of African weevil. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Massive infestation by African snails poses a serious threat to cardamom plantations in Bison Valley panchayat in Idukki.

According to Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) officials, the snail attack hit six wards of the panchayat and caused widespread damage to cardamom. An expert team from KAU visited farmers to demonstrate methods to prevent snail infestation.

R. Narayana, Associate Professor, Department of Nematology, KAU, Vellayani, who led the visit, said, “Plantations in Bison Valley are full of dried leaves and organic waste, which provide an ideal breeding ground for snails. Only a concerted effort by all farmers in the area can curb this menace. We have shown how to use traps to attract and destroy snails.”

“African snail infestation has been prevented in Ezhukone panchayat of Kollam district by joint efforts of local authorities and affected farmers. The local panchayat and farmers here need to adopt a similar joint approach to tackle the problem,” the official added.

Bison Valley Agriculture Officer Smitha S. Kumar said the lack of active waste removal in some plantations has led to a massive proliferation of snails. “We have already informed the agriculture department and the Bison Valley panchayat about the issue. A concerted effort is now on to prevent the snail menace,” Ms Kumar said.

“Scientists have recommended using copper sulphate spray to protect the plantations,” the official added.

According to officials, African slug infestation has been reported in the district since 2018. “The infestation is now spreading to many other panchayat areas in the district, posing a significant threat to plantations,” the official said.

Published – 11 Jul 2026 20:32 IST