THE continuing drought in the cardamom producing centres of Idukki in Kerala and Bodinayakannur in Tamil Nadu has shattered farmers' hopes of reaping a rich harvest. Although there were summer showers in the high ranges, most of the cardamom growing areas have been devoid of rains for the past three to four months. "The drought has affected plants in almost 50% of the major producing areas, " said P Punnoose, general manager of the Cardamom Processing & Marketing Company (CPMC). "It is virtually certain that the next crop season will be delayed byup to two months, and the harvest will take place only in August." K Michel, president of the Cardamom Growers' Association, said that production was likely to be badly affected as daytime temperatures have increased by four to five degrees over normal levels of around 26 degrees Celsius... Read More