The effect of rainfall on cardamom production in bhutan

Abstract

Large cardamom is one of the largest value potential perennial cash crop of Bhutan just second to the cordyceps. It usually grows up to the height of 2.5 meter especially between 700-1800m asl. It requires good amount of shade and grows well especially in the southern region of Bhutan. Although there are many factors that would account for the production of cardamom such as orientation of the site, density of shade, elevation of the site, climate and temperature etc. Water also plays a vital role in the overall quality and the yield of the cardamom, but if there is excess of water it deteriorates its yield and overall production. Having excess water in the soil mass tends to rot the roots and the lower steam of the plant and eventually making it vulnerable to fungus pest and diseases, thus lowering the yield. Therefore, an optimum amount of water is required for maximum production of cardamom. The yield is proportional to the water content up to certain limit, then the yield decreases with the increase of water content. This investigation also shows the gradient of the cultivated land contributes in the production of Cardamom.