Cardamon Farming Profit Per Acre

Cardamon Farming 

An analysis of Cardamon farming profit per acre reveals highly attractive financial returns. Key metrics show a total net profit of NRs. 11,630,000 over a 15-year period, with the initial investment recovered within 4 years. The Annualized Return on Investment (ROI) is approximately 238.6% based solely on the initial investment, and 56.4% when including maintenance costs. Profitability insights indicate peak performance between years 5-10, generating annual net profits of NRs. 1,175,000 and contribute 60.6% of total profits, while long-term sustainability from year 11 onward maintains strong annual profits of NRs. 1,020,000 as higher market prices offset reduced yields.

Land Preparation

The site selection process involves choosing well-drained, gently sloping land (5-10% slope) in forested or partially shaded areas, avoiding waterlogged valleys and exposed hilltops, with proximity to a water source for irrigation being crucial.

Once selected, clearing involves removing undergrowth, weeds, and small stones while preserving existing shade trees (such as Jackfruit, Red Cedar, or Albizia) or planting suitable replacements like Grevillea robusta or Erythrina spp. well in advance; large trees should only be cleared if absolutely necessary to maintain adequate shade cover (50-60% initially, increasing to 70% in hot regions).

Following clearing, on slopes exceeding 10%, contour terraces or trenches must be constructed to prevent soil erosion and conserve moisture, with planting rows marked according to the planned spacing. Finally, deep plowing to a depth of 30-45 cm should be performed 2-3 times to break up hard pans, improve aeration, and facilitate root penetration, incorporating well-decomposed organic matter during the process.

Soil Type

The ideal soil type is deep (at least 1 meter), fertile, well-drained loam rich in organic matter, with volcanic soils being excellent examples. The soil pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral (5.0 to 6.8), avoiding highly acidic soils below pH 5.0 or alkaline soils above pH 7.5. Preferred textures are loams to sandy loams, which provide essential good water-holding capacity coupled with excellent drainage, making heavy clay soils prone to waterlogging unsuitable. Additionally, a high organic matter content exceeding 3% is vital for moisture retention, nutrient availability, and maintaining good soil structure.

Climatic Requirements

Major Cultivars

Cardamom cultivars exhibit significant regional variation, with distinct types prominent in India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. In India, key cultivars include Malabar, Mysore, and Vazhukka types, such as the high-yielding Njallani (known for bold capsules), Mudigere-1, PV-1, ICRI-1, ICRI-2, IISR Avinash, IISR Vijetha, and IISR Moones.

Meanwhile, Guatemalan production relies primarily on introduced Malabar types, valued for their bold green capsules, with selections emphasizing yield and disease resistance. Across all regions, common selection criteria for cultivars focus on yield potential, desirable capsule characteristics (size and color), strong resistance to diseases like mosaic virus and capsule rot, adaptability to local growing conditions, and drought tolerance.

Planting

a). Planting Season

The optimal planting season spans from June to December, providing favorable conditions for crop establishment and growth.

b). Spacing

Large Cardamon: 2.5m x 2.0m

Small Cardamon: 2.0m x 1.5m

c). Pit Preparation

Dig pits measuring 45 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm at the designated places and allow them to weather for 3–4 weeks; subsequently, fill each pit with a thoroughly mixed combination of topsoil, 5–10 kg of well-rotted FYM or compost, 100g of rock phosphate, 100g of Trichoderma viridae, and 50g of neem cake.

d). Planting Method

Use suckers from high-yielding, virus-free mother clumps or healthy, disease-free seedlings that have been cultivated in nurseries for 10–18 months. Trim any long or broken roots on suckers, then carefully remove the polybag from seedlings without causing any damage to the root ball. To prevent impeding sucker creation, place the planting material in the center of the pit, making sure the rhizome is only 2-3 cm below the soil surface. After planting, water thoroughly, carefully press the dirt down, and gently firm the soil around the root. Lastly, to retain moisture and control weeds, heavily mulch the base with dry leaves or organic materials.

e). Number of Plants per Acre

Large Cardamon: 810 plants / acre

Small Cardamon: 1349 plants / acre

Intercropping

Common intercrops include Banana (providing good initial shade and income), Black Pepper (trained on shade trees), Ginger, and Turmeric (during the first 2-3 years). This practice maximizes land use, provides additional income, helps control weeds, and improves soil cover and microclimate. However, ensure intercrops do not compete heavily for water and nutrients, especially during dry periods, and avoid tall, dense intercrops that block essential filtered sunlight to the cardamom plants.

Irrigation

Critical periods requiring careful water management include the establishment phase (first 6 months), dry spells, flowering, and capsule development. During dry months, irrigate every 7-10 days based on soil moisture and weather, maintaining consistent moisture especially during panicle emergence and capsule filling, while strictly avoiding waterlogging. Efficient drip irrigation is highly recommended, sprinklers are an alternative, and basin irrigation—though common—is less efficient; mulching can significantly reduce irrigation frequency. Although cardamoms are generally grown as rainfed crops, supplemental sprinkler irrigation during summer is essential for increased yields.

Fertilizer and Manure

Weed Control

Effective weed management is crucial as weeds aggressively compete with cardamom for water, nutrients, and light. The most common method is manual weeding (hoeing or hand pulling), performed 2-3 times during the monsoon and 1-2 times in the dry season, while avoiding deep weeding near rhizomes.

Mulching (applying a 5-10 cm layer of leaves, straw, or compost around plants) is highly effective for suppressing weeds, conserving moisture, and adding organic matter. If using chemical control (herbicides) like Diuron or Oxyfluorfen, apply pre-emergence on clean soil only with expert guidance and extreme caution, ensuring no contact with cardamom foliage or rhizomes.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

a). Thrips

Thrips are a common pest that cause significant damage to plants, resulting in scorched leaves and deformed capsules, which can severely impact crop yield and quality. Effective control involves the application of insecticides such as Abamectin, Spinosad, or Imidacloprid (1ml / Ltr.), which target and reduce thrip populations. Additionally, it is essential to conserve natural predators like lacewings and predatory mites, which play a crucial role in keeping thrip populations in check. Implementing an integrated pest management approach ensures sustainable and effective control while minimizing environmental impact.

b). Shoot/Capsule Borer

The shoot and capsule borer is a destructive pest that causes significant damage to plants by wilting shoots and hollowed capsules, ultimately reducing crop productivity. Effective management includes the timely removal and destruction of infested shoots and capsules to prevent the spread of the pest. Chemical control measures, such as spraying insecticides like Quinalphos or Chlorantraniliprole, are effective in reducing the pest population. Additionally, the use of pheromone traps at a density of 12 traps per hectare is highly recommended to attract and capture female moths, thereby disrupting the pest’s lifecycle. Integrating these methods helps manage the pest effectively while minimizing crop losses.

c). Rhizome Weevil

The rhizome weevil is a dangerous insect that kills plants by digging into their rhizomes and interfering with their ability to absorb nutrients and water. Both preventive and curative treatments are part of effective control programs. To reduce the initial danger of infestation, it is essential to utilize healthy, disease-free planting material. When weevil infestation occurs, soaking the soil with pesticides like Cypermethrin and Profenofos helps get rid of the weevils and save the other plants. By following these procedures, the planting area’s general health and production are improved in addition to protecting the crop.

d). Aphids & Mites

Aphids and mites are sap-sucking pests that weaken plants by depleting essential nutrients, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and reduced vigor. Additionally, these pests act as vectors for viral diseases, further compromising plant health and yield. Effective control measures include the application of insecticides such as Dimethoate or Abamectin, which target and eliminate these pests. Alternatively, using insecticidal soap provides a more eco-friendly option, effectively suffocating the pests without harming beneficial organisms. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential to manage aphid and mite populations and prevent virus transmission, ensuring healthy and productive crops.

Common Diseases

a). Capsule Rot (Phytophthora/Colletotrichum)

Capsule rot, caused by Phytophthora and Colletotrichum, leads to water-soaked lesions and rotting capsules, severely affecting crop yield. Effective management involves improving drainage and avoiding overhead irrigation to reduce moisture levels that favor disease development.

Chemical control includes spraying fungicides such as Mancozeb, Fosetyl-Al, or Metalaxyl. Preventive measures include three sprays with 1% Bordeaux mixture, 0.25% Copper Oxychloride, or 0.2% Mancozeb—applied just before the onset of the South West monsoon, in early August, and in September. Additionally, drenching the soil with 1% Bordeaux mixture helps protect plants from soil-borne infection, ensuring healthier and more productive crops.

b). Rhizome Rot (Pythium/Phytophthora/Rhizoctonia)

Rhizome rot, caused by pathogens like Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia, manifests as yellowing leaves, rotting rhizomes, and eventual plant death. Effective control begins with improving soil drainage to prevent waterlogging, which favors disease development.

Drenching the soil with biocontrol agents like Trichoderma and Pseudomonas or chemical treatments such as Bordeaux mixture, Metalaxyl, or 0.25% Mancozeb immediately after germination can suppress pathogen activity.

Solarizing the soil before replanting helps reduce pathogen load, and removing and destroying infected clumps prevents disease spread. In nurseries, prophylactic treatments include drenching with 1 liter of Formaldehyde in 50 liters of water for every 3 square meters before sowing and subsequent applications of Bordeaux mixture or Carbendazim to control Pythium and Rhizoctonia. These measures implemented promptly and effectively, help protect plants and ensure healthy growth.

c). Leaf Blight (Phytophthora)

Leaf blight, caused by Phytophthora, is a damaging disease characterized by large necrotic patches on leaves, which can lead to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic capacity, ultimately impacting crop health and yield. Effective control involves the timely application of fungicides such as Mancozeb or Fosetyl-Al, which help suppress the pathogen and prevent further spread of the disease. Regular monitoring of crops for early symptoms, combined with prompt treatment, is essential to mitigate the impact of leaf blight and ensure the overall health and productivity of the plants.

d). Mosaic or Katte disease

Mosaic or Katte disease is a serious viral disease that significantly affects the productivity of cardamom, causing yellow streaks or mottling on leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. The disease is transmitted by the banana aphid, making the control of these vectors critical.

Effective management strategies include the use of virus-free planting material to prevent the introduction of the disease, the prompt removal and destruction of infected plants to limit spread, and the regular application of insecticides such as Methyl Demeton 25 EC, Dimethoate 30 EC, or Phosphomidon 86 WSC at a dosage of 750 ml/ha to control aphid populations. These measures collectively help mitigate the impact of the disease and sustain crop productivity.

Harvesting

Post-Harvest

Yield

Under standard cultivation practices, cardamom typically yields approximately 100 – 500 kg of dried capsules per acre; however, this baseline figure can vary significantly based on factors such as variety, age of plants, soil fertility, shade management, irrigation adequacy, pest/disease control, and harvesting techniques, with well-managed plantations often achieving substantially higher productivity through optimized agronomic inputs and care.

Cost of Investment per Acre for Large Cardamom Farming (NRs.)

Annual maintenance cost (NRs.)

From the second year onward, the annual maintenance cost per acre is estimated to range between NPR 50,000 and NPR 100,000. This expenditure typically covers essential activities required to sustain and enhance productivity, such as pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management, and other routine agricultural practices. The specific costs within this range may vary depending on factors like crop type, soil health, climatic conditions, and the intensity of maintenance required to achieve optimal yield and quality standards.

Income from Cardamon Farming per Acre

 Analysis of Cardamon Farming Profit Per Acre

 Key metrics reveal a total net profit of NRs. 11,630,000 over 15 years, with the initial investment recovered by the end of Year 4 (payback period).

The Annualized Return on Investment (ROI) is approximately 238.6% when calculated against the initial investment alone (Avg. Annual Profit / Initial Investment × 100 = (775,333 / 325,000) × 100), and approximately 56.4% when calculated against the total investment including maintenance (Avg. Annual Profit / Total Investment × 100 = (775,333 / 1,375,000) × 100).

Profitability insights show the peak income phase occurs from Years 5-10, generating an annual net profit of NRs. 1,175,000 and contribute 60.6% (NRs. 7,050,000) of total profit over those 6 years. Long-term sustainability from Year 11 onward remains strong, with an annual net profit of NRs. 1,020,000, as higher market prices compensate for the reduced yield.