The ongoing drought situation in the cardamom-producing centers of Idukki is causing distress among cardamom farmers. This marks the first instance of drought-like conditions affecting the cardamom sector in recent history in Idukki.

In areas including Vandanmedu, Pathumury, Santhanpara, Nedumkandam, Kattappana, Anavilasom, and Chakkupallam, a large number of cardamom plantations have suffered significant damage due to the severe drought.

Expressing concerns, a cardamom farmer in Kakkattukada near Kattappana stated that if the drought persists for another two weeks, a substantial portion of the plants on his land are likely to be destroyed.

Farmers have been relying on irrigation, anticipating the arrival of summer rains. However, the stored water has nearly depleted, and there has been no significant rainfall yet.