Large Cardamom Research Articles

Elucidation of the Possible Molecular Mechanism for the Anti-Apoptotic Effect of Terpene-Rich Extract of Amomum subulatum and Coriandrum sativum against Rodent Model of Cardiotoxicity

Background: Spices, including Amomum subulatum and Coriander sativum, are not only popular for improving food flavour but are also accepted worldwide for their health benefits in various disorders. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the possible mechanism for the anti-apoptotic effect of terpene-rich extract of Amomum subulatum and Coriandrum sativum against the rodent model of cardiotoxicity. Methods: Effects of standardized terpenoids-rich aqueous methanolic extract of two commonly used spices, viz. Amomum subulatum Roxb. and Coriandrum sativum Linn., were investigated on doxorubicin-induced apoptotic changes and cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats with the aim of in-vestigating the mechanism. Prior to the in vivo experiment, the extracts were subjected to quan-titative estimation of possible bioactive markers of the terpenes by employing a newly devel-oped, optimized, and validated GC-MS method along with TLC profiling. Results: Cardiotoxicity was evident from elevated creatinine kinase (CK-MB), lactate dehydro-genase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the toxic control group after treatment with doxorubicin (2.5mg/kg i.p. given twice a week for three weeks). Caspase-3, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also induced in animals treated with doxorubi-cin. Treatment with Amomum subulatum and Coriandrum sativum at the doses of 100 and 200mg/kg exhibited significant (P<0.001) reversal of CK-MB, LDH, MDA, Caspase-3, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. This protective effect was further supported by the results of DNA gel electro-phoresis and histopathological observations. Conclusion: This study supports the cardioprotective role of selected spices against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through the anti-apoptotic mechanism.

Unveiling the power of TiO2 doped ZnO nanomaterial as an effective antimicrobial solution in the leather industry

The surface protection of leather supplies is a major concern worldwide due to its susceptibility to microbial growth. Different methods are employed to protect leather, their results ends up with the environmental pollution and human safety issues. Nanoparticles with excellent antimicrobial potential can provide sustainable protection to leather accessories. The present work represented a comprehensive investigation into the preparation and characterization of titanium dioxide-doped zinc oxide (ZnO/TiO2 NPs) nanoparticles and their exploring as a potential antimicrobial agent in the leather industry. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized through Sol-gel method by the reduction of zinc acetate dihydrate via black cardamom seed's extract and subsequently doped with TiO2. The optical, structural, and morphological features of nanoparticles were thoroughly scrutinized through UV–visible spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR, and SEM-EDAX. The UV–visible spectrum showed enhanced performance between 300 and 350 nm and various peaks of the FT-IR spectrum, i.e. 3315.53, 1566.20, 1402.25, 1340.53, 1014.56, 921.97, 690.52, and 677.01 cm−1, revealed chemical bonds that prove the correct doping of TiO2 in ZnO nanoparticles. The characteristic peaks obtained from XRD at 2Ө of 32°, 35.5°, 37.2°, 47.9°, 55.6° 63.51°, and 70° intimated to the crystal planes of (100), (002), (101), (102), (110), (103), and (112), respectively. SEM-EDAX images revealed the roughly spherical but agglomerated structure of nanoparticles with size 45.44 nm. Furthermore, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), antimicrobial potential, and anti-biofilm potential analyses of nanoparticles, against all selected microorganisms (Aspergillus niger, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli) provided valuable insights into physical and biological properties of the nanoparticles. The clear zones of inhibition (29–30 mm) against these pathogenic strains showed exceptional antimicrobial action of the ZnO/TiO2 NPs. Overall, these results provide an approachable method to synthesize ZnO/TiO2 nanoparticles and their antimicrobial ability will prove to be beneficial for the protection of leather materials from various microbial contaminations.

Assessing the elevational relationship with soil physico-chemical properties under traditional large cardamom agroforestry system in the Indian Eastern Himalayas: a case study using machine learning algorithms

Assessing the elevational relationship with soil physico-chemical properties under traditional large cardamom agroforestry system in the Indian Eastern Himalayas: a case study using machine learning algorithms

Enhanced Stability and Functionality of Freeze-Dried Encapsulated Black Cardamom (Amomum subulatum) Oleoresin: A Comprehensive Physicochemical and Thermal Analysis

Enhanced Stability and Functionality of Freeze-Dried Encapsulated Black Cardamom (Amomum subulatum) Oleoresin: A Comprehensive Physicochemical and Thermal Analysis

Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils Against Microbes Associated with Street Food

This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of five essential oils (EOs), namely clove, lemongrass, mint, oregano, and black cardamom, at different concentrations, in fighting microorganisms that were isolated from selected food samples obtained from local street food vendors. The microorganisms isolated from the food samples were Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., Proteus sp., Acinetobacter sp., Moraxella sp., Escherichia sp. (gram-negative bacteria), and Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Lactobacillus sp., Micrococcus sp. (gram-positive bacteria). The antimicrobial effects of these oils were tested, and the results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a significance level of p<0.001. The tests were carried out using different concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% (v/v) against isolates obtained from raw and street food. It was found that clove oil had the highest effect, followed by mint oil, black cardamom oil, and oregano oil. However, lemongrass oil showed the least antimicrobial effect. The results indicate that clove, mint, and black cardamom EOs are highly effective in controlling pathogenic bacteria. These oils can be used to prevent bacterial growth, extend shelf life, and increase the safety of street food.

Evaluation of ferroptosis-based anti-leukemic activities of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by a green route against Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (Nalm-6 and REH)

BackgroundOur research presents an efficient and practical method for producing Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), which have anti-leukemic effects based on ferroptosis. MethodsThe black cardamom extract was employed as a capping and reducing agent for the green synthesis. The NPs have been characterized via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, leukemic and normal cells were exposed to ZnO NPs (25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 300 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. The cell vitality was then measured using the MTT test. Moreover, ferroptosis indicators were assessed via commercial testing kits, and finally, qRT-PCR and flow cytometry were used to measure gene expression and cell death. ResultsThe findings displayed that green synthesized ZnO NPs reduced the survival of leukemic cells, with IC50 values of 150.89 μg/ml for Nalm-6 and 101.31 μg/ml for REH cells after 48 h. The ZnO NPs increased ferroptosis by significantly increasing MDA, intracellular iron, ACSL4, ALOX15, and p53 mRNA expressions while significantly decreasing GSH and GPx activity levels and SLC7A11 and GPx4 mRNA expressions. On the other hand, ZnO NPs exhibited no toxicity toward normal cells. ConclusionsThe research suggests that ZnO NPs synthesized using the green approach can induce ferroptosis in leukemic cells by disrupting redox homeostasis and increasing intracellular iron levels, potentially enhancing the benefits of anti-leukemic therapies in the future.

Hepatorestorative Potential of Amomum subulatum Roxb. Against CCl4-induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rats

Among the plants listed for ethnomedicinal usage to protect from or cure liver injuries, Amomum subulatum Roxb. (Commonly known as black cardamom), is yet not explored for scientific verification of its in vivo and in vitro hepatorestorative potential.

Large Cardamom Farming in Eastern Nepal: Identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

Large cardamom, an important cash crop from eastern Nepal with significant potential in international trade, is facing challenges in terms of its production and market price. This study aims to document the perception of local farmers of Ilam district in regard to decreased production of large cardamom. First hand data were obtained through visiting the households of farmers and observing and documenting their daily chores for cardamom farming. Questionnaires were developed and were used in individual interviews (77), focus group discussions (4), and key informant interviews (5). The SWOT analysis revealed that the large cardamom farming possesses significant strengths, including high market price and minimum investment in terms of labor and fertilizer. However, it also faces notable weaknesses, such as vulnerability to diseases and environmental stresses. These strengths and weaknesses present several opportunities, including crop diversification, search for disease-resistant and superior varieties, and the adoption of scientific farming. On the other hand, the major threats encountered were the risk of uncertain return due to market price fluctuations, government oversight, lack of technical and scientific support, and vulnerability due to lack of skilled manpower and resources causing farmers to abandon large cardamom farming.

Comparative studies of antioxidant activity and profile of some spices

Compounds that prevent or slow down the oxidation of lipids or other molecules like free radicals are known as antioxidants. The Study evaluated the antioxidant capacity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity, and total flavonoid and phenol contents of six spices. Dried samples of spices were extracted in distilled water and analyzed using spectrophotometric and titrimetric methods. TAC results ranged from 232.79 - 64.32 mg/100g, with clove and black cardamom exhibiting the highest and lowest antioxidant activity respectively. The H2O2 scavenging activities result had clove and rosemary with the highest scavenging activity. Rosemary had the highest total phenol (5060 mg/100g) and flavonoid (1339 mg/100g) contents while black cardamom had the lowest values in both. Spices could be substituted for synthetic antioxidants in the food industry and as dietary sources of natural antioxidants.

Microsprinkler irrigation in combination with nutrient management influences crop and water productivity and water-nutrient dynamics in large cardamom-growing soils in the hilly sub-Himalayan region of India

ABSTRACT A field experiment designed with three tiers of irrigation viz., I0: rainfed, I1: 100% crop evapotranspiration (1.0 ETc) and I2: 0.75 ETc and four tiers of soil nutrition viz., N0: control (no farmyard manure and fertilizer), N1: 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as FYM, N2: 50% RDF as FYM +50% RDF as chemical fertilizers and N3: 100% RDF as chemical fertilizers was conducted for four consecutive years (2015–2018) on large cardamom at the hilly terrain of Gitdubling lower beyong busty in Kalimpong Block II in Darjeeling district of WB India. The results showed that I1N3 treatment combination providing microsprinkler irrigation at 1.0 ETc and full RDF (20:40:40::N:P2O5:K2O kg ha−1) recorded highest growth, yield attributes, fresh yield (665.2 kg ha−1) and dry yield (282.0 kg ha−1) of capsules, greatest water productivity (1.8 × 100 kg m−3) and largest soil availability and leaf accumulation of N, P and K. The soil water distribution along the phenological stages was inconsistent and followed the trend according to the rainfall amounts; however, the contents increased with an increase in soil depth and irrigation regime. The predictive regressive models showed the linear relationships between the dry capsule yield and irrigation water and total water use by the plant.

Exploring the effects of vasoactive constituents in large cardamom: implications for the anti-hypertensive effect via eNOS coupling pathway – an in-vitro study in rat endothelial cells

Endothelial dysfunction, linked to reduced eNOS expression and nitric oxide (NO) availability, contributes to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Large cardamom exhibits antihypertensive effects by augmenting NO levels and antioxidant activity. To decipher its mechanisms, selected constituents were docked with eNOS-associated target genes such as GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH-1) and (dihydrofolate reductase [DHFR]). Endothelial damage induced by L-NAME and fructose was countered by assessing nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), tetrahydrobipterin (BH4 levels), GCH-I expression and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity after constituent incubation. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and petunidin-3-O-glucoside notably restored impaired vascular markers in both models. These phytoconstituents are likely to activate GCH-BH4-eNOS pathways, upregulating SOD and NO expression, maintaining endothelial integrity. Large cardamom’s antihypertensive effects may stem from these components, synergistically enhancing endothelial NO release via the eNOS pathway.

Essential oil of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and cardamom (Amomum sublatum roxb) as a natural food preservative for plum RTS

Ready-to-serve (RTS) drinks and fruit juices are crucial due to their high calorie, fiber, and vitamin content. However, their limited shelf life and rapid nutrient loss raise food safety concerns. Applied artificial preservatives may be allergic and cause adverse health effects on humans; consequently, worldwide concern about using natural preservatives instead of artificial ones. This study's main focus is to replace artificial preservatives by applying essential oils from black pepper (Bp) and cardamom (Cd) as natural preservatives in plum RTS drinks. The essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger type apparatus and stored at 4 to 6 °C. Following, plum juice was extracted by a screw press juice extractor and afterward maintained at 0.3 % acidity and 15°-brix (°Bx) total soluble solid (TSS), finally, pasteurized at 90 °C for 10 min and stored at refrigeration temperature. After preparation of RTS, it was divided into four equal batches of 250 cm3 with no additives (A), 0.100 cm3 ethanol (B), samples C and D were prepared with 0.090 cm3 of ethanol and 0.010 cm3 of essential oils of Bp and Cd. The samples were stored at a refrigerated temperature of 4 to 6 °C and analysis of pH, % titratable acidity, mg of ascorbic acid, TSS, % total sugar, % reducing sugar, free radical scavenging activity (%RSA), total microbial count, and yeast-mold count were carried out at a fixed interval of 7 days for 28 days. Overall, significant variations were observed in the blank sample compared with the sample containing the essential oils of Bp and cardamom Cd during the storage period of 28 days. These findings highlighted valuable insights into the essential oils of Bp and Cd exhibit the preservative effect in plum RTS; ultimately, cardamom essential oil exhibits the best preservative effect on plum RTS.

Herbal Spices as Food and Medicine: Microscopic Authentication of Commercial Herbal Spices.

Herbal spices are an agricultural commodity, economically very important and beneficial in primary healthcare in the food and medicine sectors. Herbal spices are used as food flavoring agents as well as in phytotherapies throughout the world and have nutritive benefits. The food and medicine industries widely employ artificial or natural adulteration to retard the deterioration and utilization of these adulterants in food and medicine products has given rise to significant apprehension among consumers, primarily stemming from the potential health risks that they pose. Thus, their characterization for the purpose of identification, origin, and quality assurance is mandatory for safe human consumption. Here, we studied 22 samples of commonly traded herbal spices that belong to 20 different genera and 21 species comprising 14 families, investigated macroscopically or organoleptically as well as histologically under microscopic examination. In this study, we provide details on organoleptic features including appearance, taste, odor, color, shape, size, fractures, types of trichomes, and the presence of lenticels among the examined herbal spices and these features have great significance in the detection of both natural as well as artificial deterioration. In terms of microscopic characterization, each examined plant part comprising different anatomical characteristics has taxonomic importance and also provides useful information for authentication from natural adulterants. Furthermore, the studied taxa were also described with nutritive and therapeutic properties. For condiments, herbal beverages and medicinal purposes, different herbal parts such as leaves, floral buds, seeds, fruit, and accessory parts like mericarp, rhizome, bulbs, and bark were used and commercially traded. Similarly, in this study, the leaves of Cinnamomum tamala and Mentha spicata, the floral buds of Syzygium aromaticum, the seeds of Amomum subulatum, Brassica nigra, Punica granatum, Myristica fragrans, Phyllanthus emblica, and Elettaria cardamomum, the mericarp of Coriandrum sativum, and Cuminum cyminum were observed. As a result, we show the potential of herbal spices as a source of many valuable phytochemicals and essential nutrients for food, nutraceutical, and homoeopathic medicine.

Nanoengineered chitosan functionalized titanium dioxide biohybrids for bacterial infections and cancer therapy

Nanoengineered chitosan functionalized titanium dioxide biohybrids (CTiO2@NPs) were prepared with Amomum subulatum Roxb extract via one-pot green method and assessed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, SEM and EDAX analyses. As revealed by XRD pattern, the nanohybrids exhibits a rutile TiO2 crystallites around 45 nm in size. The emergence of the Ti–O–Ti bond is identified by observing a peak between 400 and 800 cm−1. A wide bandgap (4.8 eV) has been observed in CTiO2@NPs, due to the quantum confinement effects and the oxygen vacancies reveal the intriguing potential of developed nanohybrids for various applications. Surface flaws were identified by observing an emission band at 382, 437, 482, 517, and 556 nm. They also exhibit better antibacterial performances using well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus substilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli. CTiO2@NPs were discovered to have free radical scavenging activity on DPPH analysis and exhibit IC50 value as 95.80 μg/mL and standard (Vitamin C) IC50 is 87.62 μg/mL. CTiO2@NPs exhibited better anticancer properties against the osteosarcoma (MG-63) cell line. All these findings suggest that there is a forum for further useful therapeutic applications. Therefore, we claim that nano-engineered carbohydrated TiO2 phytohybrid is a promising solution for bacterial infections and bone cancer.

Growth instability index, and decomposition effect on production of large cardamom in Nepal

BackgroundLarge cardamom is the third most costly and oldest spice in the world, then saffron and vanilla, which is referred to as "black gold." Nepal's exportable, high-value subsector produces large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) for sale in particular global markets. This study was to assess large cardamom's compound annual growth rate (CAGR), instability index, and influence of decomposition in Nepal. Data were imported from Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nepal (MOALD) & Trade Export Promotion Centre, Nepal (TEPC), and the custom office in Birtamod, Nepal, from 2009 to 2020. The compound growth rate was calculated by an exponential function. The area, production, productivity, unit price of large cardamom before export at birtamod custom office, export quantity, and value of large cardamom were evaluated by variation (CV) and the Cuddy–Della Valle index (CDVI). Stability and growth performance were analyzed to assess the proportional impact of area and yield on the overall production of larger cardamom.ResultsArea, production, and yield had compound annual growth rate of 1.25, 2.0, and 0.85, respectively, revealing a major expansion of Nepalese large cardamom. The Mechi corridor has proven favorable and rapid development rates, indicating its potential but there was a reduction in large cardamom farming indicating negative CAGR of − 0.68 in the Koshi corridor. The area, production, and yield CV and CDVI were comparatively low, indicated stability in large cardamom farming. With a negative CAGR of − 1.01, the average price showed a downward trend over time. While the export quantity had a positive CAGR of 0.67, the export value had a positive CAGR of 3.84, suggesting a considerable increase.ConclusionsThe results emphasized the need for deliberate actions to increase stability, yield levels, market diversification, and lessen reliance on a single market for significant cardamom exports. Finally, prioritizing farmer capacity building programs will increase their proficiency with sustainable farming methods and resource management.

Suitability of Large Cardamom Farming as Business in Eastern Corridor of Nepal

Background: Black gold popularly renounced for Large cardamom which is world’s oldest and third expensive spice following, saffron and vanilla. The study was to assess suitability of large cardamom farming as business in eastern Nepal. Methods: Eastern Nepal, subdivided as Koshi corridor (Sankhuwasaba and Tehrathum) and Mechi corridor (Taplejung and Panchthar), were purposively selected as a research site. About 480 Households were selected randomly. An interview schedule was prepared for cost of production and other expenses incurred along with production and price received by farmers. Result: During the 7-year cycle, the total fixed cost was NRs 115,663. The breakeven point for large cardamom was calculated to be 157.45 kg. The average price per kilogram of large cardamom was NRs 1274.6. The average variable cost per kilogram of large cardamom was NRs 621.01. Financial indicator like net present value (NPV), benefit cost ratio (BCR) and internal rate of return (IRR) were 1,536,006, 2.14 and 71.31. The Return on Investment (ROI) and Payback period (PBP) were 138.45 and 5.6 years. Under worse scenario, The NPV declined to 977,115.1, the BCR fell to 1.60, the IRR fell to 50.02 and the ROI fell to 78.84. The PBP has risen to 6.8 years. This scenario demonstrated that simultaneous negative increases in cost and income had a greater impact on the profitability of large cardamom farming. Finally, the study’s findings highlighted the sensitivity of financial indicators in large cardamom farming to changes in production costs, income and delays. This helpful information could be used by stakeholders to make decisions and develop strategies to improve sustainability of large cardamom growing in the research area.

Conceptualization, Characterization and Establishment of Model Large Cardamom Village in Eastern Himalaya of West Bengal

The farmers’ livelihood in the Himalayan region of West Bengal mainly depends on large cardamom cultivation. However, the farmers in the region were continuously facing low yield, high disease incidence, and poor quality of large cardamom. An alternative extension approach namely ‘Model Large Cardamom Village’ was conceptualized to address these issues in Tindhurey village of Kalimpong in West Bengal. Diverse scientific technologies and practices were promoted in the adopted village from 2018 to 2022. An outcome-based impact evaluation was done in 2023 with a sample of 350 farmers. The maximum yield increment was observed in the Seremna cultivar (45.94%) followed by Bharlangey (42.86%), Ramsai (40%), and Golsey cultivar (36.67%). Similarly, the maximum increase in income was reported in the Seremna cultivar from Rs. 160000/ha. to Rs. 290000/ha. Other significant impact of Model Large Cardamom Village was increased adoption of recommended technologies, the decline in pest and disease incidence, enhanced social networking, the decline in migration of youth from the village, increased access to different production inputs and services, and starting large cardamom-based tourism. The study shows the potential of a specific and focused extension approach to address the technological gap at the regional level.

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic response of the seeds of Amomum subulatum roxb and Vitex negundo.

The current study was designed to check the anthelmintic activities of some local plants. Seeds of Amomum (A.) subulatum and Vitex (V.) negundo in different solvents were subjected to in vitro (adult motility assay; AMA and egg hatch assay; EHA) and in vivo (faecal egg count reduction test; FECRT) anthelmintic activity testing protocols using Haemonchus (H.) contortus as an experimental model. The results of AMA, EHA, and FECRT were statistically analysed through linear regression and Duncan multiple range test. In AMA test, at 50 mg mL-1 concentration, the percent mortality of H. contortus was higher in A. subulatum than V. negundo, whereas, in EHA test, A. subulatum was proven better ovicidal (LC50=14.2 µg mL-1) than V. negundo (LC50= 65.7405 µg mL-1). The FECRT also indicated the better efficacy of A. subulatum than V. negundo against natural infection of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. The crude powder of plants used in this study showed 29.6% to 57.7% anthelmintic. The reduction rate was found higher for A. subulatum (3 g kg-1) as compared to V. negundo (7 g kg-1). Reagrding efficacy analysis of solvents used for plants extract, ethyl acetate and chloroform were found better in increasing ovicidal activity in adult worms (in vitro testing), whereas, the crude aqueous methanol was found better than the crude powders in in vivo testing. It will be beneficial to document the indigenous knowledge to standard scientific procedures for their validation. This study will help to motivate the farmers to make a better choice of cultivation of the indigenous plants because of their varying efficacies as an alternative preventive approach against the GI parasitic infections.

GC-MS based chemical fingerprinting large cardamom cultivars of Sikkim

Amomum subulatum Roxb, also known as large cardamom, is an herbaceous plant cultivated in Sikkim, India for its aromatic seeds with diverse applications in food, beverages, perfumery, and medicine. In this study, we aimed at Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based chemical fingerprinting through analyzing volatile compounds in seeds and assess the relatedness among seven large cardamom cultivars grown in the Sikkim hill region. We examined the phytochemical composition of large cardamom seed extract using GC/MS analysis. The results indicated significant differences in volatile compounds among the cultivars. The major bioactive components unravelled were 1,8-cineole (76.37-90.63%), α-terpineol (1.73-13.40%), α-terpinolene (0.23-11.51%), β-pinene (0.54-4.13%), γ-terpinolene (0.77-4.47%), and α-pinene (0.35-1.86%), which possess notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) and dendrogram analyses revealed similarity of large cardamom cultivar ICRI SKM-1 with ICRI SKM-2 and Seremna while showed close relatedness among the cultivars such as Ramsey, Ramla, and Sawney based on their phytochemical composition. These findings have important implications for large cardamom breeding programme. The findings of this study also elucidated the potentiality of large cardamom seed extracts for commercial applications in various industries, including medicine, food, and cosmetics.

Cardamom Farming Status in Bangladesh

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.