Impact of Climate Change on the Production of Cardamom in one of the Chiwog under Samtse Dzongkhag, Bhutan

Abstract

Cardamom plantation is one of the most lucrative commercial farming, especially in southern parts of Bhutan. Cardamom is their main source of income generation. However, the production of cardamom has declined over the past years and farmers claimed that climate change is the main reason. Climate change is a global phenomenon that has far-reaching implications for agriculture, particularly in regions characterized by their sensitivity to climatic variability and Bhutan is no exception. Nevertheless, it is unclear how climate change has affected cardamom production. Therefore, it has become necessary to study how climate change hampers the production of cardamom. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of climate change on the production of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) in one of the Chiwogs, under Samtse Dzongkhag. Farmers of this Chiwog mainly depend on cardamom for their livelihood and it is the backbone of their livelihood. To understand the impact of climate change on cardamom growers, the study has adopted a mixed method as a research approach. The study reveals that local farmers are already experiencing the consequences of climate change like erratic temperatures and rainfall declining the yield of cardamom. The increasing number of pests and disease outbreaks in cultivated land are creating challenges for the farmers depending on cardamom for living. Adaptive measures, such as altering planting and harvesting schedules and introducing new cardamom varieties resilient to changing conditions, are essential for mitigating these impacts. Furthermore, community- based efforts, enhanced access to climate information, and support from relevant agencies are necessary to International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM) Volume: 07 Issue: 12 | December - 2023 SJIF Rating: 8.176 ISSN: 2582-3930 © 2023, IJSREM | www.ijsrem.com DOI: 10.55041/IJSREM27392 | Page 2 ensure the long-term sustainability of cardamom production in the region. The study highlights the urgent need for proactive climate adaptation strategies and underscores the importance of a comprehensive understanding of climate change impacts on agricultural systems, especially in vulnerable regions. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and local communities to foster resilience and sustainable cardamom production in the face of a changing climate. Keywords: climate change, cardamom production, climate adaptation, pest and diseases, socio-economic impacts. Introduction Large cardamom growers have recently encountered several difficulties maintaining production, especially because of pests and diseases, the effects of climate change, and fluctuating market prices. Climate change is the main factor that leads to a decline in cardamom production in Bhutan. Cardamom farming is becoming a less reliable source of income for mountain communities due to climate change and its effects (Gurung, 2017). The study by Ghalley (2018) concluded that the crop is being destroyed by blight, and farmers are suffering because of poor production. Farmers have been observing blight infestations on their plants for more than three years. Farmers assert that their crop has been affected by four different diseases. After the roots rot, the leaves aresaid to dry. A disease that is known as "Furkey" locally has also become a common reason for reduced yield. Farmers agree that pests and diseases are spreading at a faster rate due to changes in climatic patterns. Farmer who grows cardamom in large scale said that the harvest is so low they do not have enough to sell (Ghalley, 2018). According to Rijal and Rabyal (2020) in 2016 cardamom production was 2736 tons and drop to 2245 tons in 2017. A study by Jamtsho et al. (2020) in Pemagatsel Dzongkhag also reveals that water is essential to both the overall quality and the yieldof cardamom, too much water reduces both the yield and the production. Excessive moisture in the soil mass has the tendency to rot the plant's roots and lower stem, weakening it over time and making it more susceptible to fungus pests and diseases, which reduces the output.The commercial lifespan of large cardamom was lowered by seven to eight years because of climate change (Vijayan et al., 2014). Similarly in Nepal, the production of large cardamom has declined because of climate change (Rijal, 2013). This is an indication that there is an issue with cardamom plantations and production dueto climate change. During interviews with local leaders and field visits, the researcher found a similar situation. To better understand the issues, the researcher believes that proper study is required. In the absence of evidence- based research or scholarly works, no proper planning can be made to address this in the future. Thus, it has become necessary for educatorsto do in-depth research pertaining to the decline of cardamom production due to climate change. It is hoped that the knowledge that emerged from this study would fill this knowledge gapand point out some possible strategies for improving cardamom plantations and production for better economic income.