Kerala, India’s black pepper capital, has witnessed a significant 25% decline in production over the past decade, raising concerns among farmers and traders alike. This downturn is attributed to pest infestations, devastating floods, and climate change, all of which have severely impacted cultivation.
Black pepper crops in Kerala are increasingly under attack from pests and diseases, a problem worsened by shifting climate patterns that create ideal conditions for infestations. Experts stress the need for effective pest management and disease-resistant plant varieties to counteract these challenges.
Repeated monsoon floods have caused widespread damage to black pepper plantations, leading to root rot, reduced yields, and soil degradation. Reports from Kerala Agricultural University indicate that while floods temporarily lowered pest pressure, they introduced new forms of crop stress, further impacting productivity.
Erratic weather patterns, rising temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall are making black pepper cultivation increasingly difficult. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, experts emphasize the need for adaptive agricultural practices to sustain Kerala’s pepper industry.
To reverse the decline, stakeholders urge investments in climate-resilient farming techniques, improved disease management, and sustainable agricultural policies. Without urgent intervention, Kerala’s reputation as a global black pepper hub could be at risk.
