Cardamom Farming Status in Bangladesh

Abstract

Cardamom, both small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) known as the "Queen of spices", is widely utilized for a variety of applications worldwide and has the potential to be an understory high-value crop for the Bangladesh. A first exploratory survey in nine districts of Bangladesh was carried out to identify cardamom farming systems, prospects and constraints in the existing environment. Data were gathered through key informant interviews during February 2020 to January 2021 using questionnaire. About 4,600 small and 980 large cardamom plants have been growing successfully under agroforestry system in Bangladesh for last few years. Azadirecta indica, Artocarpus heterophyllus and Albizia lebbeck were reported as shade tree for maintaining 60-70% shade for quality production. Time of flowering and fruiting were reported February to March and April to mid-June, respectively. Yield of cardamom was reported about 0.4 to 0.5 kg plant-1. Estimated benefit cost ratio (BCR) was 4.14. Lack of proper information (97%) and quality planting materials (90%) marked as major problems faced by the farmers. Knowledge of cardamon cultivation (0.74) and annual income from cardamon farm (0.94) were showed a significant relationship with number of plants. Enhancing cardamom production on underutilized land could help marginalized people, especially women’s empowerment through income generation, as well as provide various ecosystem services that are closely related to SDGs 1, 2 and 13.