New panics and flowers of cardamom plants infested with small snails on the plantation in idukki. | Photo Credit: Jomon Pampavallley
After the abundant summer rain in Idukki, the area of high-range cardamom cultivation increased the prospect of a robust crop in the upcoming season-when the threats of worm infestation are at risk. According to farmers, cardamom is absorbed by many small snails by new waste and flowers of cardamoma plants, leading to significant damage to crops.
Sivadas, a cardamom farmer in Anyarthol, near Puliyanmala, said his cardamom plantation attacked a large number of small snails. “Last year, a snail attack was recorded in October and this year the presence of snails was initially recorded in the first week of May. We plan to use metaldehyde pellets to kill snails from the plantation.
The owner of the pesticide shop in Kumily said a large number of cardamom farmers are looking for pesticides for worm attacks. “Farmers largely buy metaldehyde pellets,” the owner said.
According to Cardamom Research Station (CRS) from Keral Agricultural University (KAU) in the Pampadumpar, “Farmers in Vandanmed, Kumily, Puliyanmala, Anavilasom, Pathheme and Chakupalloma have already increased their complaint.
NAFEESA M., assistant professor (entomologist) in CRS says: “The snail goes active after 19:00 and absorbed the flowers of cardamom plants. The presence of small snails is associated with rain.
Prevention
“Snowing attacks can be prevented by collecting and destroying snails in group approach farmers. Farmers can use cabbage leaves as a trap for pulling and eliminated snails,” CRS official said.
Officials also marked excessive use of pellet metaldehyde farmers to kill snails. “Since Western Ghats is home to various types of snails, the use of metalldehyde pellets would result in complete removal of all snails on the plantations. So we cannot advise the overuse of metaldehyde pellets,” the official said.
The official also stated that farmers should perform early methods of snail prevention on cardamom plantations to avoid extensive crops.
After reporting the extensive presence of snails on cardamom plantations last year, the Cardamom (CRS) research station decided to conduct a detailed study of snail contamination in the PamPadumpar. According to officials, the study continues.
Published – 8 May 2025 20:51 is
