Brainstorming session to revitalize large cardamom in Sikkim

GANGTOK,: Large cardamom is more than just a crop for Sikkim -it is a lifeline for over 16,000 farming households, a cultural emblem, and a key contributor to the State’s agricultural economy.

In a landmark effort to restore Sikkim’s glory as the global hub for large cardamom cultivation, a high-profile brainstorming meeting was held in New Delhi recently.

The meeting was held under the leadership of Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, informs a press release.

Organized at the request of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim, the meeting brought together some of the nation’s brightest minds from premier institutions and industries to devise a robust strategy to tackle the pressing challenges faced by this vital crop.

The meeting was attended by an impressive panel of experts and senior officials from DBT, NABI (Mohali), IBSD (Manipur), NIPGR (New Delhi), ICGEB (New Delhi), BHU (Varanasi), NCBS (Bangalore), ATGC Biotech, T. Stanes and Company, and other key organizations, the release mentions.

Representing the Government of Sikkim, Science and Technology secretary Dr. Sandeep Tambe participated along with Horticulture secretary Tilak Gajmer, DST principal director Dhirendra Shrestha, and other senior officers joining virtually. 

The discussions covered critical issues such as ensuring access to disease-free planting material, breaking the disease cycle through innovative interventions, launching research trials to experiment with cutting-edge biotechnological solutions, extending the lifespan and productivity of the crop using bio-control agents, bio-stimulants, and microbiome-based applications, and driving genetic improvements for long-term sustainability. 

A major highlight was the resolution to form a high-level working group tasked with crafting a detailed strategy and action plan for sustainable large cardamom farming. This comprehensive plan will encompass short-, medium-, and long-term measures to be rolled out within a time-bound framework.

With the roadmap expected to be finalized within a month, this meeting marks the beginning of a transformative journey for large cardamom cultivation in Sikkim.

The initiative reaffirms the commitment of the Government of Sikkim to using scientific innovation, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts to elevate Sikkim back to its rightful position as a global leader in large cardamom production, the release mentions.