Increase in pepper prices from Rs. 200 a kg to Rs. 700 a kg serves as incentive for farmers to take up its cultivation.
2014-15 estimates point to State overtaking Kerala
Spices Board of India Chairman A. Jayathilak said that estimates for 2014-15 suggest that Karnataka has overtaken Kerala as the largest producer of pepper in the country.
He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Pepper Community’s 43rd session and meetings here on Monday.
Dr. Jayathilak said a large number of coffee and arecanut farmers from Karnataka had taken to pepper production as an “adjunct crop”.
The increase in pepper prices from Rs. 200 a kg three years ago to around Rs. 700 a kg had served as an incentive for farmers to cultivate the spice that enjoys huge demand in the international market.
According to estimates, the State last year produced around 5,000 tonnes over Kerala, which used to occupy the numero uno position by accounting for 40 per cent of the country’s pepper production.
Pepper production in the country had dipped to 37,000 tonnes in 2013-14 owing to unfavourable weather conditions. However, the situation was looking up with estimates suggesting a production of 70,000 tonnes in 2014-15.
Earlier, while delivering the presidential address at the session, Dr. Jayathilak appreciated the contribution of farmers from Karnataka in the turnaround. The spices board chose Mysuru as the venue for the annual meet to honour pepper growers in the State, he said.
He cautioned that importing countries were coming up with stringent quality standards that were “practically difficult” to achieve, particularly in case of pesticide residues.
Rajani Ranjan Rashmi, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, New Delhi, in his keynote address, said the wellness industry and health tourism had provided enormous potential for the growth of the spice industry. He urged the industry to further explore the medicinal and nutritional value of pepper.
Pratap Simha, MP, claimed that Kodagu accounted for half the pepper produced in Karnataka.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Laiqh A. Khan / Mysuru – November 24th, 2015