Executive Summary:
The "Promoting Large Cardamom and Associated Capacity Building in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim" project aims to address the challenges faced by large cardamom producers in Sikkim, particularly in the Yuksam and Gerethang Gram Panchayat Unit. Despite being the largest producer of large cardamom in India, Sikkim's traditional agricultural practices are facing threats from climatic changes and market demands. This report highlights the efforts made during the reporting period to enhance the resilience of large cardamom farming and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
- Reason for Selection of Area:
The project site was selected due to its significant representation of large cardamom producers. Yuksam and Gerethang Gram Panchayat Unit have a high concentration of large cardamom farming activities. However, farmers in this area face challenges such as declining yields, pest attacks, and market fluctuations, which necessitate interventions to support their livelihoods.
- Introduction:
The Eastern Himalayas are experiencing climatic and socio-economic changes that impact traditional agricultural systems. Large cardamom production, a key source of income for Sikkim, is facing challenges such as crop diseases, pest attacks, and decreased yields. Farmers have resorted to adopting hybrid species, leading to a decline in native varieties like bharlaang and saaune, which are more resilient to climatic variability. Additionally, inefficient post-cultivation technologies and reliance on large cardamom as the primary livelihood pose sustainability concerns.
- Project Objectives:
- Introduce technological interventions to enhance large cardamom cultivation practices.
- Promote the cultivation of native large cardamom varieties.
- Enhance post-cultivation processes to improve efficiency and ecological sustainability.
- Diversify livelihood options through value-added products and ecotourism entrepreneurship linked to large cardamom production.
- Achievements:
- Conducted training workshops on improved large cardamom cultivation techniques.
- Conducted Social and economic survey
- Implemented scientific method of seed nursery
- Construction of low cost fuel efficiency drying batti
- Challenges Faced:
- Resistance to adopting new techniques and varieties among some farmers.
- Limited resources for scaling up interventions and reaching a larger number of farmers.
- Financial Summary:
- Total project expenditure: 4,45000
- Future Plans:
- Expand outreach efforts to reach more farmers and promote sustainable large cardamom farming practices.
- Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to support project objectives.
- Conduct research on climate-resilient large cardamom varieties and adaptation strategies.
- Explore additional income-generating opportunities for large cardamom producers beyond ecotourism.
