RMM and VCM

Synthesis Paper On
RMM and VCM

-A revolutionary method for Boosting Black
pepper production of Kerala-
COURSE TITLE:
PLANTATION AND AGRI-COMMODITY PRODUCTION
SUBMITTED BY
MUHAMMED ABDUL JAMIAH.M

14PGDM23
2
nd
Trimester
PGDM -ABPM 2014-16

SUBMITTED TO
Mr.K.Narendran
Faculty
IIPM, BANGALORE
Acknowledgement
There are many persons to whom I owe thanks for their help, support, advice and
suggestions to prepare this Synthesis paper. Above all I am grateful to Mr.K.Narendran, Faculty,
Indian institute of plantation management, Bangalore for inspiring me and providing me Academic
input of Plantation & Agri-Commodity Production
Finally I owe deep debt of gratitude to farmers from Wayanad, Idukki and various part of
Kerala who gave necessary information during my survey; Library department, Indian institute of
plantation management, Bangalore for making available the superior library, Internet and other
resources for the work.
MUHAMMED ABDUL JAMIAH.M

(14PGDM23-ABPMM)
PLACE: BANGALORE
DATE: 08/12/2014
Table of Contents
Serial
No.
Topic
Page No.
Abstract
Introduction
Review of literature
Methodology and Data sources
A brief description of Idukki and Wayanad
World scenario of Pepper production
Indian scenario of Pepper production
Pepper production in Kerala
10
Present marketing scenario of Pepper in Kerala
15
10
Problems associated with cultivation of Black pepper
16
11
RMM and VCM techniques to boost Black pepper production in Kerala
18
12
Conclusion
24
13
Implications
24
14
Bibliography
25
RMM AND VCM

-A Revolutionary method for
Boosting Black pepper
production of Kerala-
RMM and VCM A revolutionary method for boosting Black pepper production of Kerala-
Abstract
The richness of the culture and fragrance of the spices were the major source of glory of the
ancient India especially Kerala. Agricultural sector, while accounting for only about 11.5 per cent
of the State Domestic Product accommodates nearly 60 per cent of the population. Therefore the
low rate of growth of this sector might have had its implications not only on livelihood and food
security of millions but also on other sectors on account of the inter-sectorial linkages. Accordingly,
a sustainable and dynamic approach towards the development of this sector becomes a major
concern of government and the policy makers. Many scholars have underlined the importance of
public research and extension in enhancing productivity and efficiency, which is key survival under
globalization, in the agriculture sector as in any other sectors. In this setting, this paper looks into
the reasons of drastic decline of Black pepper production in Kerala and suggesting an alternative
way to sustain it. Also an attempt has been made to explore the impact of innovation at farm level
of black pepper in the state. This paper has been taken into account of both primary and secondary
data sources to realise the issue at hand. The study finally concluded that like Indian Agriculture
Innovation system, there are multiple actors who engaged in research and extension with
complementary expertise in the case of black pepper also. However the lack of co-ordination and
interaction among the players has constrained the growth of the crop. Drawing from its findings,
the study calls for more intense institutional intervention and highlights the need for systematic
method of cultivation of Black pepper by coordination among various agencies to provide the
extension services and support at proper time to the pepper growers. This synthesis paper suggests
a combined RMM and VCM model of black pepper cultivation to save black pepper plantations of
Kerala.
Key Words: Agriculture Innovation System, Institutional intervention, Black Pepper, RMM, VCM
1. Introduction
. However, Keralas development over the last fifty years suggests that it has been
experiencing a dual pattern of development at both economic and social fronts. Real sectors like
agriculture and industry remained sluggish with low productivity levels; the service sector achieved
rapid progress This development experience of the state questions a widely held paradigm that first
agriculture sector and then industrial sector have to develop in order to improve the living standards
of the masses. Statistics reveals that the share of agriculture in the state's economy has been coming
down steadily both in terms of its contribution to State Domestic Product (SDP) and employment
from 22 per cent and 37 per cent respectively in 2004-05 to 11.5 per cent and 30 per cent in 200809.Even this is the case; nearly 65 per cent of the population depends on agriculture both directly
and indirectly to meet their livelihood activities. Therefore the low rate of growth of this sector
might have had its implications not only on livelihood and food security of millions but also on
other sectors on account of the inter-sectorial linkages. Needless to say, the poor performance of
agriculture sector has attracted the attention of a number of scholars such as Kannan &
Pushpangadan, 1988, 1990; Jeromi, 2003; Nair & Menon, 2004; Kannan, 2011; Viswanathan,
2012; among others. These studies have shown that one of the major factors which led to the low
growth rate of agriculture is the decline in public investment in general and R&D investment in
particular. Many studies have proved that the public investment in agricultural research and
development, irrigation, and extension in the growth of production is necessary to improve the
welfare of those dependent on agriculture while keeping them in agriculture and to raise yields and
output, and not for transforming traditional agriculture .However to accelerate growth in agriculture,
there is a need of focus in the immediate future on appropriate policies for infrastructure and
institutions in four major areas: land and water management, research and extension, inputs
including credit and marketing including price policy. In this setting, this paper has made an attempt
to analyse the innovation process involved in commercial crops in the state by taking black pepper
as a special case.
Black pepper is one of the most ancient and traditional spice crops of India which has been
produced and traded worldwide. Black pepper is the native of the Western Ghats Mountains in
Southern India. However, with the emergence of competition from other pepper producing countries
such as Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, India is missing out the opportunity to take
advantage of the fast- growing international pepper market. In 1951, 70 per cent of worlds pepper
cultivation was concentrated in India and this has gone down to 18.7 per cent in 2007. The
distribution pattern of pepper across various states of India showed the dominance of Kerala with
89 per cent of the total area under cultivation and produces around 95 per cent during 2007-08
followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Obviously, any down turn in Keralas production is bound
to have a negative impact on countrys production. Moreover, black pepper is cultivated mostly by
small and marginal holders and their livelihood has crucial bearing on this crop. As we can see
from Government report on black pepper says that black pepper is one of the important crops
which provides major source of income and employment for rural households in Kerala- where
2
more than 2.5 lakh farm families are involved in pepper cultivation (Government of India, 2009).
So the declined performance recorded in recent years (after 2000) by this spice crop in the state
added up the relevance of this particular issue. In this context of declining performance made by
black pepper which is having important position at international, national and state level paves way
to explore the role of institutional arrangements and their respective innovation activities conducted
for the wellbeing of this crop. Hardly any studies have been attempted to explore this issue. So this
paper tries to fill this gap.
The rest of the paper is structured as follows. Apart from introduction, paper has four
sections. Section 2 briefly explains the concept of innovation that used in the study. Section 3
discusses about the methodology and data sources. Section 4 elaborate findings of the paper. The
last section summarizes the major findings.
2. Review of literature
An innovation system may be defined as comprising the organizations, enterprises, and
individuals that together demand and supply knowledge and technology, and the rules and
mechanisms by which these different agents interact (World Bank, 2007). The innovation systems
concept focuses not merely on the science suppliers but on the totality and interaction of actors
involved in innovation. This concept offers a holistic explanation of how knowledge is produced,
diffused, and used but also because it emphasizes the actors and processes that have become
increasingly important in agricultural development ( ibid , 2007). However, Agricultural Innovation
is multifaceted and it can be technological, institutional, organisational or policy based (Obote
Ochieng, 2007). In India, initially agricultural research was essentially a supply driven process and
the focus was on creation of new knowledge and its conversion into technologies which can directly
be used by farmers. The concept is now moving from supply driven to demand driven kind of
interventions and then it becomes a concept of agriculture innovation system, so that the knowledge
can be used by the end users, mostly the farmers (Pal et al., 2009). There is opportunity for a
participatory and multi- stakeholders approach to identifying issues for agricultural R&D, and
agricultural technology could thus be developed with active farmers participation and
understanding of the application of new technologies. The agricultural innovation system approach
as an institutional framework can be fostered depending on the institutional circumstances and
historical background of the national agricultural development strategies. Government, the private
sector, universities, and research institutions are important parts of a larger system of knowledge
and interactions that allows diverse actors with varied strengths to come together to pursue broad
common goals in agricultural innovation. In analyzing an agricultural innovation system, it is
necessary to examine the impact on farmers, and others actors, of policies that directly affect the
agricultural sector (for example, agricultural research and extension arrangements) (World Bank,
2007). In the present context this paper looks into the institutional innovation which is defined as a
change in the institutions (rules of the game) through which a new technology is developed and
becomes adopted by end- users (the farmers). Institutional innovation is defined by Richard R.
Nelson and Katerine Nelson (2002) as social innovation brought in the institutional structures
needed to take advantage of the technological innovation. They consider innovative change in the
institutional structures as a way to achieve adapted institutions for technological development. To
their view, institutions are taken as social technologies. Then, although, the advance of physical
technologies continues to play the leading role in the process of economic growth.social
technologies enter the story in terms of how they enable the implementation of physical
technologies (Nelson and Nelson, 2002 as cited in Paul, 2012).
3. Methodology and Data sources

The paper is based on both primary and secondary data. Secondary data is collected from
various government sources to realize the objective at macro level. To examine the performance of
black pepper in Kerala in general and regions in particular, the study has been using state level time
series data on area, production and productivity of crop in Kerala from 1960-61 to 2009-10. To
understand the regional pattern the state is divided into three regional groups on the basis of
geographical, historical and cultural similarities- Northern Kerala comprising of five districts
(Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram), Central Kerala comprising of four
districts (Palakkad, Thrissur, Eranakulam and Idukki) and Southern Kerala comprising of five
districts (Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram). Primary data
has been collected by using a structured interview schedule. The study covered a sample of 180
households spread across two districts; namely, Idukki and Wayanad; in the state. Both qualitative
and quantitative information has been gathered to the purpose of the study. The samples were drawn
by using proportionate stratified random sampling method.
4. A Brief Description of Idukki and Wayanad

Idukki is one of the mountainous Districts of Kerala, came into being on 26 th January 1972.
With a total geographical area of 5,019 square kilometres (13 percent of the total area of the
state) the District of Idukki falls mainly on upland area. Topographically, Idukki district is divided
into two divisions. No part of the district lies in low land. The average rainfall receives in the district
is 2867.9 mm and the temperature varies between 27 0 C and 21 0 C. The soils of this district are
classified into laterite, forest and hilly soils. The major crops grown in the district are cardamom,
black pepper, tea, coffee coconut.
Out of the four taluks in the district viz. Devikulam, Udumbanchola, Peerumedu and
Thodupuzha, present study has chose two panchayats from Udumbanchola taluks- Nedumkandam
and Erattayar.
On the other hand, Wayanad district came into existence on 1 st November, 1980 as the 12th
district of the state. The district has an area of 2131 sq.kms, which account for 5.48 percent of the
state total. Being a hilly district, vast area of Wayanad consists of forests (36.48 per cent). Nearly
51.04 per cent of the total area of the district is under cultivation. The agro- climatic conditions of
Wayanad are as follows: a) the average rainfall that the district receives during the year is 1938 .9
mm b) During the cold season temperature falls below 15 0 Celsius, but in summer season a
temperature of 29 0 Celsius and more is often recorded. From October to the end of February the
atmosphere become dry, cool and salubrious. The seasonal crops that require heavy rainfall and
perennial crops that require prolonged rainfall can have a healthy growth in the district. The high
altitude in the district is suitable for the cultivation of perennial plantation crops and spices. The
major plantation crops include coffee, tea, black pepper, cardamom and rubber.
Among three taluks in the district, Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady and Kalpetta, the study
has chosen two panchayats- Pulpally and Mullankolly from Sulthan Bathery taluk for further
analysis.
The paper, in addition to the descriptive statistical tools, made use of kinked exponential
model developed by Boyce (1986) to arrive at the trend break (Balakrishnan and Parameswaran,
2007) in different series and exponential growth model to estimate the growth rates.
5. World
scenario of pepper production
Production of the pepper is around 3,38,380 metric tonnes per annum with 4,76,514 ha
Under cultivation in 2010. The is major reason for decline in output in recent years. Further,
the crop in the major producing countries such as Vietnam and India has been affected by
disease and poor maintenance due to decreased prices during past few years. World pepper
production that is 3,20,303 metric tonnes in 2001 and 3,38,380 metric tonnes in 2010. Out of
total pepper production, black pepper constitutes most of it and leaving least to white pepper.
Sudden increase in pepper production by Vietnam resulted increase in global production from
61,600 metric tonnes in 2001 to 1,10,000 metric tonnes in 2010. Indonesia is in 2nd position
with 65,000 metric tonnes in 2001 and 59,000 metric tonnes in 2010. India with 79,000 metric
tonnes in 2001 and decreased to 50,000 metric tonnes in 2010 and followed by Brazil, China,
Malaysia, Srilanka, Thailand and other countries which have recorded less production in
pepper. The total production of black pepper was registered at 2,53,403 metric tonnes in 2001
and production was registered at increased stage with 2,64,980 metric tonnes 2010 and
simultaneously white pepper increased by 6500 metric tonnes over the decade, 66,900 metric
tonnes in 2001 and 73,400 metric tonnes in 2010.
Table: 1. Country-wise Production of black pepper during 2001-2010 (Production in

Metric Tonnes)
COUNTRY 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
CAGR
Brazil
41,000
43,000
47,000
40,000
39,500
40,000
39,000
38,000
38,200
32,000
-2.50
India
79,000
80,000
65,000
62,000
70,000
55,000
50,000
50,000
49,000
49,550
-5.78
Indonesia
27,000
34,000
45,000
32,000
42,000
31,000
37,000
34,000
33,000
40,000
1.26
Malaysia
24,000
21,600
17,800
16,500
16,000
16,000
16,000
15,400
15,400
16,450
-3.91
Srilanka
8,308
13,310
13,274
13,316
13,575
15,265
13,288
13,712
16,630
4.62
Vietnam
59,100
79,500
89,000
11,060
1,00,00
0
92,500
94,000
82,500
89,000
1,01,750
88,000
2.92
Thailand
8,820
9,960
9,500
9,500
10,500
10,500
9,800
9,800
9,750
9,750
0.61
Madagascar 3,375
2,500
2,500
2,500
2,500
3,000
2,700
2,800
2,800
2,800
0.06
Others
3,000
2,86,87
0
3,500
2,92,57
4
4,656
2,78,21
9
4,770
2,91,08
6
4,900
2,67,97
5
5,000
5,000
2,57,28
8
10,300
9,800
2,64,98
0
14.93
Total
2,500
2,53,40
3
2,57,265
2,74,462
-0.52
Source: International Pepper Community -2011

The table & figure 1. indicates country-wise production of black pepper during 20012010 and the growth rate in percentage. It is observed that the Srilanka has registered with
4.64 per cent among black pepper producing countries of world followed by Vietnam (2.92per
cent), Indonesia (1.26 per cent), Thailand (0.61 per cent) and Madagascar (0.06 per cent).
Some of the countries registered negative growth in low production due to low productivity
and climatic variation.
5
Table: 2.Country-wise Area under pepper during 2001-2010 (Area in hectares)

Country
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Brazil
39,000
41,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
35,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
10
20,000
CAGR
-10.43
India
2,18,670
2,22,460
2,23,060
2,31,800
2,31,800
2,53,730
2,36,180
1,96,297
1,81,299
1,82,000
-2.14
Indonesia
1,59,884
1,60,606
1,84,000
1,71,000
1,50,000
1,40,000
1,42,500
1,45,000
1,45,000
1,45,000
-2.04
Malaysia
13,400
13,100
13,000
13,000
12,700
12,235
13,023
13,487
13,608
15,000
0.87
Srilanka
30,764
31,378
31,970
32,437
24,739
29,156
29,976
30,655
30,506
30,714
-0.30
Vietnam
36,106
42,000
48,800
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
2.62
China
15,700
16,000
17,000
18,000
19,000
20,000
21,000
22,687
23,545
24,000
5.27
Madagascar
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
0.00
Thailand
2,892
2,890
2,800
2,800
2,800
2,800
2,800
2,800
2,800
2,800
-0.31
Others
2,500
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
1.00
Total
5,22,946
5,36,434
5,77,630
5,71,117
5,38,039
5,49,921
5,22,479
4,87,926
4,73,758
4,76,514
-1.68
Source: International Pepper Community -2011

Figure: 1. Country-wise Area under pepper during 2001-2010 (Area in
hectares)
The above table 1.1 & figure 1.1 shows the country-wise area under pepper cultivation
during 2001 to 2010. It is observed from the table the growth trend in area of cultivation
under pepper during 2001 to 2010 is declining China has registered the highest CAGR among
other pepper growing cultivation countries. China has shared with 5.27 per cent followed by
Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand with 2.62 per cent, 0.87 percent, 0.31 per cent respectively.
Some of the countries registered negative growth, the reason might be the low yield and pest
diseases.
6
6. Indian scenario of pepper production

In India, pepper cultivation is mainly confined to the Southern States of Kerala, Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu. Altogether the total area under cultivation was estimated at around 220,620 ha,
with Kerala accounting for almost 70% of the total production. There are many varieties of pepper
developed and grown in India, including Karimunda, Kottanadan, Panniyur -1, Panniyur-3,
Panniyur-4, Panniyur-5, PLD-2, Subhakara etc.
In India pepper production is declining also there is a great fluctuation in its price. In 200809 the production was about 45000-50000 tons. The decline is production is mainly due to the
adverse climatic condition and diseases to pepper vines in major production centres.
Kerala accounts 90% of India pepper production. Other producers are Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu and Andamans. Major Indian markets are Kochi and Sulthan Bathery in Kerala are the major
primary markets Nagpur, Indore and Delhi have recently developed as the major up country
markets for pepper. The share of India in global pepper export has declined to less than 10% during
the last three years. The main factor for this drop is the competition from Vietnam. Though the
share of India in raw pepper export has declined, India is the major producer of pepper oleoresin
and pepper oil in the world. Nearly 90% of global pepper oleoresin is produced in India. Indian
manufacturers are also turning themselves to be key players in grounded pepper exports.
As a highly traded commodity, global demand and supply plays a crucial role in shaping
prices. Vietnam, a new entrant to pepper crop, sharply raised the total global supply by over 10000
ton by early years of 2000 led to a cash in pepper prices globally. Indian pepper costing over Rs.
200 per/kg in 2000 fell to an average of 65 Rs. Per kg by 2005 and shows an increase during 201113 up to 400-500 Rs. Per kg.
Table: 3
Area and production of pepper in India (Production in tones)
Pepper
Area (ha)
Production (t)
2005 06
213860
2006 07
218220
2007-08
223570
2008 09
231880
2009-10
235430
74260
2010-11
267112
81930
2011-12
257244
49997
2012-13
236177
49997
79000
80000
65000
62000
Source: Directorate of Economics And Statistics
Table: 4
State wise production ( production in tones)
States
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
Karnataka
12000
6236
15000
18240
16000
Kerala
33950
33991
27500
20640
16500
Tamil Nadu
1016
716
7500
9120
10500
TOTAL
49997
40943
50000
48000
43000
Source: Spice Board

8
The Kerala state leads in total pepper production from the year 2008 to 2013. The share of
Kerala state is 67.9% in 2008-09. In 2009-10 it was 83%, in 2010-11 the share was 55%, In 201112 It was 43% and in 2012-13 the share was 38.3%.We can see a decrease in production in Kerala
state. The Kerala was followed by Karnataka and Tamilnadu they increases their production year
by year.
Table: 5
State wise area (area in hectares)
States
2008-09
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
Karnataka
15150
18847
19706
21061
21061
Kerala
216710
153711
171489
172182
172182
3700
3117
2786
3009
3009
236177
181299
198986
201381
201381
Tamil Nadu
TOTAL
Source: Spice Board

Kerala stands first in area of pepper cultivation from 2008 to 2013 with an average share
of 85.5% followed by Karnataka with an average share of 10.45%.
7. Pepper production in Kerala

Pepper is one of the major export oriented commodities in which the state continuous to enjoy
a near monopoly in area and production. The productivity of pepper recorded during 2004-05 was
only 327 kg. per ha. The production declined form 69015 MT during 2003-04 to 68362MT in 200405. Pepper produced in Kerala fetches a premium price in International Market in view of its
intrinsic quality.
Table: 6
Area, production and productivity of black pepper in Kerala
Year
Area (ha)
Production (t)
2005 06
198406
57882
2006 07
202133
60929
2007-08
203956
58240
2008 09
208607
67358
2009-10
216440
69020
2010-11
237670
74980
2011-12
237998
87605
2012-13
226094
64264
Productivity (kg/ha)
291.7
301.4
285.5
322.9
318.9
315.5
368.1
284.2
Source: Spice Board

Kerala stands first in area of pepper cultivation from 2008 to 2013 with an average share of
85.5% followed by Karnataka with an average share of 10.45%.
In Kerala there was an increase in area of cultivation of pepper from 2005-06 to 2011-12.
But there was a decrease in 2012-13. Even the production data in Kerala showed an increasing trend
from 2005-06 to 2011-12 which started decrease in 2012-13which declined from 91.55 to 67.9%.
The average productivity of Kerala state was 311.03 kg/ha.There was decrease in productivity in
10
2012-13 (284.2 kg/ha) from 2011-12 (368.1kg/ha).

Table :7
District-wise area of pepper in Kerala (area in ha)
District
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Thiruvananthapuram
5775
5668
6376
6569
Kollam
10170
10418
11381
10633
Pathanamthitta
4224
5059
5613
5214
Alappuzha
1943
2134
2054
1940
Kottayam
8499
8581
9139
9245
Idukki
57211
58209
60537
65142
Ernakulam
7002
7312
7941
7309
Thrissur
3861
3938
4174
4583
Palakkad
4844
4916
5063
5482
Malappuram
7885
8253
8996
9846
Kozhikode
11869
11939
12775
12365
Wayanad
44771
44908
40088
40839
Kannur
Kasaragod
23301
7051
24569
6229
23341
6478
22492
6948
198406
202133
State
11
203956
20860
Table: 8
District-wise production of pepper (Production in tones)
District
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Thiruvananthapuram
1377
1705
1642
1760
Kollam
3269
3713
4275
3235
Pathanamthitta
912
1228
1455
1231
Alappuzha
242
297
196
174
Kottayam
777
1153
1372
1436
13629
23282
24560
35534
Ernakulam
906
918
1219
1171
Thrissur
563
526
589
787
Palakkad
818
598
723
778
Malappuram
914
1053
616
979
Kozhikode
1806
2277
2722
1765
Wayanad
17332
17915
13083
12064
Kannur
3430
5038
4412
4362
Kasaragod
1568
1226
1376
2052
State
47543
60929
58240
67358
Idukki
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics
The district Idukki (29.6%) leads in production followed by Wayanad (20.9%).Where as in

production Wayanad led first in earlier Years. But there was a decrease in production in Wayanad
which brought Idukki to first place. The decrease in production in Wayanad was highly due to
unfavourable climatic condition like reduction in rainfall and attack of pest and diseases.
12
Trends in Area
It is evident from Figure 2 that there was a divergent performance in terms of area under
cultivation of black pepper across regions after 2000. Figure shows that central region has made an
increasing trend throughout the reference period, whereas northern region recorded a declining trend
since 1990s. This decline was clearly reflected in the overall states performance. During the same
period, southern region registered a more or less stagnant performance.
13
Table : 9. District- wise productivity of pepper ( Productivity t/ha)

District
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Thiruvananthapuram
0.2384
0.3008
0.2575
0.2679
Kollam
0.3214
0.3564
0.3756
0.3042
Pathanamthitta
0.2159
0.2427
0.2592
0.2361
Alappuzha
0.1245
0.1392
0.0954
0.0897
Kottayam
0.0914
0.1344
0.1501
0.1553
Idukki
0.2382
0.4000
0.4057
0.5455
Ernakulam
0.1294
0.1255
0.1535
0.1602
Thrissur
0.1458
0.1336
0.1411
0.1717
Palakkad
0.1689
0.1216
0.1428
0.1419
Malappuram
0.1159
0.1276
0.0685
0.0994
Kozhikode
0.1522
0.1907
0.2131
0.1427
Wayanad
0.3871
0.3989
0.3264
0.2954
Kannur
0.1472
0.2051
0.1890
0.1939
Kasaragod
0.2224
0.1968
0.2124
0.2953
State
0.2396
0.3014
0.2856
0.3229
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics

The district Idukki leads in productivity (.4 t/ha) followed by Wayanad (.35 t/ha)
14
In a context wherein area as well as production has declined for both northern and southern
Kerala in the state, has reduced the states share in both area and production during 2007-09. The
distinct performance showed by central Kerala that steady increase in area coupled with a decline
in production level (in absolute terms) calls for the examination of trends in yield level of black
pepper across regions.
8. Present marketing scenario of pepper in Kerala

Major trading centers
Cochin is the major trading center for black pepper even though upcountry markets such
as Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady(major producing area in Kerala) have emerged in the recent
past.
Market Influencing Factors

Indian pepper is at a premium against all the international grades. However, the production
and exports of pepper from other locations has a profound influence on Indian pepper prices too.
Weather and the annual production of a year. Year ending stocks and stocks-to- consumption ratio.
Indian pepper arrives in the market in the beginning of the year. However, distress selling is not
witnessed in pepper and the producers hold back the stock in anticipation of better prices.
Government policies with regard to imports and exports. Traders allege large-scale imports of
pepper from Sri Lanka and re-export from India as a major price-depressing factor and
Government has been asked to take measures to stop this practice. 1.3.3 Pepper co-operatives
Market fed entered the field of pepper marketing in the year 1963-64 and achieved a major market
share of pepper by 1979. Breaking boundaries of market, Market fed leaped into export market
during 1976, and maintained its market share sowing steady progress. Government of India
selected Market fed as the top most exporter of Black Pepper for the year 1979-80 and was an
award winner. During the year 1985-86 they had purchased 5300 tones of pepper for Rs. 2240
lakhs and sold 4639 tons for Rs.2178 lakhs of which export accounts for about 2000 tons valued
at Rs. 1050 lakhs. During 1992-93 they sold 257 MT valuing Rs. 70 lakhs, 1993-94 1324 MT
valuing Rs. 594 lakhs, 1994-95 582 MT valuing Rs. 337 lakhs and 1995-96 337 MT valuing Rs.
282 lakhs.
The Kerala State Co-operative Marketing Federation stepped in to procure pepper
directly from farmers at Rs375 a kg when the prices fell to around Rs50-55 in 2005. It procured
nearly 5,000 tonnes, waited for prices to rise, and sold it in small quantities at prices as high as
Rs100 a kg. It is still left with nearly 800 tonnes of the crop it acquired. The transparent and
scientific manner of procurement instilled confidence in pepper growers.
15
9. Problems Associated with the cultivation of Black pepper

Though black pepper is a homestead farming crop which can be grown along with other
crops, it is not free from various problems. Due to this, many respondents at farm level who have
a general opinion that black pepper is not a profitable cultivation. Various issues associated with
the cultivation of black pepper are as follows:
i) Pests and Diseases
a) Pollu beetle (Longitarsus nigripennis) is the most destructive pest of black pepper.
b) The top shoot borer (Cydia hemidoxa) is a serious pest in younger plantations in all black pepper
areas.
c) Leaf gall thrips (Liothrips karnyi) is more serious at higher altitudes especially in younger vines
and also in nurseries in the plains.
d) Scale insects such as mussel scale (Lepidosaphes piperis) and coconut scale (Aspidiotus
destructor) causes serious damage to black pepper vines at higher altitudes and also to older
cuttings in nurseries in the plains.
e) Minor pests such as Leaf feeding caterpillars, especially Synegiasp., damage leaves and spikes
of younger vines
f) Foot rot disease (quick wilt) caused by Phytophthora capsiciis is one of the most destructive of
all other diseases which affects all parts of the vines. This disease occurs mainly during the south
west monsoon season.
g) Pollu disease (Anthracnose) caused due to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides which affected
especially the berries. The disease appears towards the end of the monsoon.
h) Spike shedding, one of the emerging diseases in Kodagu and Idukki especially for varieties like
Panniyur-1.
i) Stunt disease is caused by viruses such as Cucumber mosaic virus and a Badnavirus. This affects
the vines which exhibit shortening of internodes to varying degrees. This declines the yield of the
affected vines gradually.
j) Phyllody disease caused by phytoplasma which affects the vines leads to malformation of spikes
at varying stages. Such spikes show leafy structure rather than floral buds which becomes
unproductive within two to three years.
k) Slow decline (slow wilt) is a disease which affects the mainly the black pepper vines. Some of
the symptoms are foliar yellowing, defoliation and die-back which reappear in subsequent seasons
after the end of the monsoon and the diseased vines gradually lose their vigour and productivity.
ii) Lack of proper standards
As majority of the respondents from both the districts especially Wayanad rightly pointed
the issue of not enough proper standards for the black pepper cultivation, say for instance, a farmer
pointed that
16
....panniyur is the preferred variety for all the farmers for cultivation which requires strong
standards to grow. But then due to the shortage in the availability of suitable standards, it becomes
very difficult for farmers like me to go for cultivating this variety
(Chacko, Wayanad, 4th, April, 2012)
Another farmer from Wayanad said that
Lack of proper standards available for cultivation is one of the reasons to make black pepper
cultivation an unprofitable one (Joseph, Wayanad, 4th, April, 2012)
iii) Labour Shortage
Like other crops, black pepper growers are also facing the problem of acute shortage of labour.
One of the farmers from Wayanad mentioned that
Labour problem becomes a serious issue after the implementation of MGNREGA
(Rukmini Devi, Wayanad, 5th April, 2012)
On the other hand the mandate of MGNREGA has the provision to allow MNREGA labourers to
work at private farm land. In order to avail their labour service, farmers need to register in
respective Panchayat office. But then, respondents reported that it is very difficult to get their
services at proper time, made farmers to face the issue of labour shortage.
iv) Neglect from respective agencies
Though there is the presence of multiple actors involved for the upliftment of black pepper
cultivation, many of the respondents were mentioned some of the issues related to the current
institutional structure. A farmer from Wayanad pointed that
The concerned agencies are not fully aware about the pests and diseases attacks occurred for this
crop. Even if we approach them, we are not getting benefitted. Another issue is that there is a time
lag in supplying pesticides/fertilisers through krishibhavans. Due to the delay in supply, most of
the pesticides become turn to be waste. In the nutshell, they are not providing enough attention to
this crop.
(Joseph, Wayanad, 4th April, 2012)
Another farmer pointed that,
We are not getting any services properly (Sunny, Wayanad, 8th April, 2012)
It is clearly evident from the field observation and the discussion with concerned agencies
that there is lack of coordination among agencies to provide services and support to the black
pepper growers.
v) Other issues
Some of the respondents have pointed the difficulty in getting good vines, climatic change etc
created problems in front of black pepper cultivation.
Due to all the problems involved in the black pepper, majority of the farmers claimed that todays
condition is not suitable for black pepper cultivation.
17
10. RMM & VCM Technique To Boost Black pepper production in

Kerala
Traditional method
Runner shoots from high yielding and healthy vines are kept coiled on wooden pegs fixed
at the base of the vine to prevent the shoots from coming in contact with soil and striking roots.
The runner shoots are separated from the vine during February-March, and after trimming the
leaves, cuttings of 2-3 nodes are planted either in nursery beds or in polythene bags filled with
potting mixture (soil, sand and farm yard manure in 2:1:1 ratio). Adequate shade has to be provided
and the polythene bags are to be irrigated frequently. The cuttings become ready for planting
during May-June.
Rapid multiplication method (RMM)

A propagation technique developed at Sri Lanka has been modified for adoption in India
for quick and easy multiplication of black pepper vines. In this method, a trench of 45 cm depth,
30 cm width and of convenient length is made. The trench is filled with rooting medium
comprising of forest soil, sand and farm yard manure in 1:1:1 ratio. Split halves of bamboo or split
halves of PVC pipes are fixed at 45 angle by keeping split portion facing upward on a strong
support on one side of the trench. Rooted cuttings are planted in the trench at the rate of one cutting
for each bamboo split. The lower portions of the bamboo splits are filled with rooting medium
(preferably weathered coir dust-farm yard manure mixture in 1:1 ratio) and the growing vine is
tied to the bamboo split in such a way to keep the nodes pressed to the rooting medium. Each
single nodded cutting with the bunch of roots intact is cut and planted in polythene bags filled with
fumigated potting mixture. Trichoderma @ 1g and VAM @ 100 cc/kg of soil can be added to the
potting mixture. The buds start developing in about three weeks and then the poly bags can then
be removed and kept in shade till main field planting.
The advantages of this method of propagation are:

(i)
Rapid multiplication rate (1:40),

18
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Well-developed root system,

Higher field establishment and
Vigorous growth as a result of better root system
VCM (Vietnam Cultivation Method)

During the past ten years, cultivation practices including soil treatment, support systems,
drainage and irrigation, balance fertilization, pruning of pepper and live support, removal of
infected plants, cover crops and mulching, intercropping and rotation of old pepper yards were
been studied in research stations located in main pepper growing regions. At the same time,
research results and constant monitoring were tested in farmers fields, appropriate cultivation
techniques that farmers adopted were recommended and disseminated to production on a large
scale.
1) Pepper orchard establishment
At present, less than 50% pepper orchards has good drainage systems. Since the rainy
season in main pepper growing regions last for 5-6 months and more than 60% of annual rainfall
falls down in 1-2 months of mid-rainy season, soils of the orchards are in temporary inundations
and/or high moisture capacity, these enhance the dissemination and outbreak of soil-borne fungi,
especially Phytophthora.
Demonstration plots with suitable drainage systems revealed that the population of fungi
and in the soils around pepper collar and the root zone are less than a half of check plots, while
the population of nematodes in soils and infested root remains unchanged in both two plots
(Nguyen Tang Ton, 2011).
19
2) Soil treatment
In research stations, the utilization of sun-dried soils mixed with Trichoderma treated
manure in nursery shows effective against Phytophthora foot rot during the first two years after
planting, this helps to lower 22% of infected plants as compared with conventional method of
seedling propagation (Nguyen Tang Ton, 2005). However, the adoption of farmers is still limited
due to permanent shading of nursery and unavailability of effective Trichoderma product in remote
areas.
Sun-drying of soils in the pits two month and the treatment of these soils with Bordeaux mixture
one week before planting become more common to pepper farmers. Surveys from 220 pepper
holders in Daklak, Binh Phuoc and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces showed that 78% of these farmers
adopted this practice and the incidence of diseases decreased 22.8%.
3) Support systems, pruning of live support and pepper plant
There are many forms of pepper support. Before the year 2000, farmers living nearby
forests, i.e. Central Highlands and Binh Phuoc province used dead wood as supports, but now most
pepper farmers in the Southeastern region (SER), Central Highlands (CH) and Quang Tri province
prefers live support; in Phu Quoc, concrete pole is still popular.
Live support is used in almost newly established pepper orchards in Binh Phuoc province
and in the Central Highlands. There is no significant difference in yields of pepper climbing on
wood standard and live support. In general, pepper spacing in the gardens of live support is larger
than that of wood standard and concrete pole, two cuttings is planted and four to six pepper stems
are kept on a support.
Research results and surveys showed that diseases incidence and percentage of died plant
from foot rot were lower in the pepper fields with live support as compared to dead wood standard,
concrete and brick tower. There is no difference in slow decline index of pepper climbing on six
live supports, namely Cassia siamea, Wrightia annamensis, Leucaena leucocephala, Adenanthera
pavonina, Glyricidia sepium and Gmelina arborea (Nguyen Tang Ton, 2005). Therefore, farmers
would utilize which species of support that is available in the area.
From 3th year after planting, pruning of live support three times a year, one month after the
onset of the rainy season, mid-rainy season and one month before the dry season can limit support
shading and provides a good environment for the growth and development of pepper. Three
prunings reduce 2.3% died plant from foot rot as compared with two prunings (Nguyen Tang Ton,
2010).
Branches lying on or near the ground level should be pruned so that rain splashes cannot
inoculate the pathogen to leaves and spikes.
4) Balance fertilization
Farm surveys revealed that in most of pepper producing areas, nitrogen and phosphorus
fertilizers are overused, because farmers are familiar with the utilization of mixed fertilizers (1616-8 or 20-20-15 of N-P2O5-K20) with a common rate of 1.5-2.0 kg/support. Besides the above
20
formula, some farmers apply nitrogen fertilizer as dressing at the beginning of the rainy season
and potassium fertilizer at the onset of the dry season, when pepper vines are bearing fruits.
Excessive application of inorganic fertilizers, especially N and P, often creates an
unbalance status of plant nutrition in soils and distorts the growth and development of normal
pepper plants. Appropriate proportions of N:P2O5:K2O are 3:2:3 on Haplic Acrisols and 2:1:2 on
Ferralsols.
Farmers in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc and DakLak apply low rate of organic fertilizers
(5-6/stake) while in Phu Quoc, Gia Lai and Quang Tri pepper are applied with higher rates of
organic fertilizers.
Fertilizer trials on black pepper in commercial phase indicated that the application of
manure at 10kg/stake annually or 20kg/stake every two years gives a better performance of pepper
plants, reduces diseases incidence and results in higher yield than the treatments of less than
5kg/stake/year.
5) Irrigation and drainage
In Phu Quoc, furrow irrigation is a popular practice and the interval between irrigation is
8-10 days. In other pepper producing areas, confined irrigation is practised with an interval of 57days. In Ba Ria-Vung Tau, some farmers practise micro-sprinkler, this is a good practice helping
to save irrigation water in the dry season, especially in time when underground water is depleted.
In Phu Quoc, irrigation furrows are also used as drainage systems in the rainy season,
therefore all pepper orchards have the drainage systems, whereas in Quang Tri, Southeastern
region and Central Highlands this figure is only 45%.
The outbreak of foot rot disease occurs more frequent in the region with flat lands and
pepper orchards without drainage systems. In some years, foot rot destroys hundreds hectares of
black pepper in one district (Ngo Vinh Vien, 2007).
6) Weeding
In most of pepper producing areas, farmers used to do clear weeding; this disturbs the
ecology in pepper gardens, enhances water flow in the rainy season, and provides the opportunities
for pests and diseases outbreaks, especially foot rot and slow decline. Clear weeding also enhances
soil erosion and nutrient washout in pepper orchards on slopping lands.
7) Removal of infected plants
Removal of infected and dead plants and trashes is strongly recommended since these
trashes are sources plenty of pathogen. In many pepper orchards, farmers let dead plants on
supports and dropped leaves from foot rot scatters everywhere in the orchard. Trials on farmers
field showed that removal of dead, infected plants and trashes proves a positive effect on the
prevention and control of foot rot and slow decline. Percentage of plants infected with foot rot and
disease index are equal to 27% and 64%, respectively, to those of check (unremoval).
8) Cover crops and mulching
21
Planting of cover crops, namely wild groundnut (Arachis pintoi) Chinese wedelia (Wedelia
chinensis) and stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis), and mulching of rice straw and dried weeds do not
inhibit the development of destructive micro-organisms and the incidence soil-borne diseases.
However, these practices help to keep stable soil moisture in the dry season and reduce
water runoff in the rainy season, enrich organic matter in soils, reduce upturning and breaking of
soil surface, these lead to an increase of pepper yield 8-12% and seed bulk density 5-7%.
9) Intercropping and rotation

Pepper is grown either alone or in mixed gardens, e.g. with robusta coffee on farms in Chau
Duc district (Ba Ria-Vung Tau). This is one form of diversification which may help to minimize
financial risk when prices vary, and biological risk due to pests and diseases in the environment.
The advantage of pepper-coffee intercropping is that farmers supply enough water to coffee and a
little amount of water to pepper, there is no water logging in the root zone of pepper plants, and
proportion of Phytophthora infected plants and slow decline index of pepper plot decreases
significantly.
In addition, some forms of ley farming will be necessary to help regenerate soil fertility
and to break pests and diseases cycles in monocultural pepper production systems. Without
rotation, pepper plants of second generation grown on the same field could not develop normally
and give berry, plants die off after 3-4 years of planting.
10) Frequent
Frequent monitoring of of the field condition and plant performance should be diligent
carried out to enable early detection of disease symptoms. Due to the devastating foot rot and
costly remedial measures for the control of slow decline, frequent monitoring allows early
detection and prompt execution of control and eradication measures.
11) Mechanical and Physical measures
Large pepper orchards need to be divided into smaller plots with trenches to collect runoff rain water and restrict the movement of Phytophthora zoospores and other destructive microorganisms.
The movement of animals into the orchard should be restricted by fencing the area or by
restraining the animals. When there is diseases outbreak, visitors of large number also can be
restrained.
12) Chemical and Biological Methods
In Vietnam, chemical control has been a common practice in the prevention and control of
foot rot and slow decline. This is normally carried when diseases outbreak occurs. In the trend of
a changing towards IDM,IPM and INM, more safe and environmental friendly methods need to
be developed and widely used. In farmers field trials and large scale production, phenylamides
(metalaxyl) and phosphonate, particularly fosetyl-aluminium and potassium phosphonate are
effective against foot rot. Other common agro-chemicals used for foot rot are copper oxychloride,
Bordeaux mixture and phosphorous acid.
22
Common and effective nematicides are sincocin + agrispon, ethoprophos, thiophanatemethyl and Benomyl + Zineb.
Trichoderma products from Cantho University and WASI, and Pseudomonas fluorescens
from Hue UAF are effective against foot rot. The utilization of manure treated with Trichoderma
can reduce the population of soil-borne fungi and nemafodes and incidence of foot rot and slow
decline.
Chemical and
Biological
Methods
Pepper
orchard
establishment
Soil treatment
Mechanical
and Physical
measures
Balance
fertilization
Irrigation and
drainage
VCM
Frequent
Intercropping
and rotation
Weeding
Intercropping
and rotation
Cover crops
and mulching
Removal of
infected
plants
Fig: Components of VCM practice

23
11. Conclusion
As already mentioned, Kerala has a near monopoly in area under cultivation and production of
black pepper in the country. It is basically a mixed grown crop in garden lands along with coconut, arecanut
or other tree crops such Murik, jack etc. Turning to the area under pepper in Kerala which was about 202
thousand hectares with production of 61 thousand tonnes in 1980-81 has declined to 171 thousand hectares
with a production of 42 thousand tonnes in 2009-10. Considering the fact that the cultivation of black pepper
is spread over different regions in the state, with a view to have a better understanding of its observed
performance we shall now examine the variations in area, production and yield of black pepper during the
last five decades 5 (1960-61 to 2009-10) for Kerala in general and regions in particular.
Foot rot or quick wilt caused mainly by Phytophthora capsici and slow decline caused by
nematodes, mealy bug and other soil-borne fungi fungi are main factors causing the degradation
of pepper gardens IN Idukki and Wayanad. In many pepper orchards of Kerala, these two diseases
brought about slow growth and death of pepper vines, in some cases 100% pepper vines died off.
Varietal resistance does not successfully affect. Good drainage in the rainy season, watersaving irrigation including drip irrigation and under-shade sprinkler minimize the spread and
contamination of diseases, and significantly reduce the incidence and yield loss of pepper gardens.
Combined RMM and VCM Practices of black pepper is the best practice in limiting the
outbreak of soil-born diseases of black pepper, this help to keep a stable yield of black pepper
gardens and contribute to a sustainable development of black pepper. If these techniques practice
in Black pepper Plantations of Kerala it would help them to retain their Golden days.
12. Implications
RMM and VCM models will help Black pepper farmers to restore their lost glory.
Institutional level extension and application of these techniques will help to increase cultivation
and production of black pepper.
24
Bibliography
1) Nair, K.N. and Vineetha Menon (2004), Reforming Agriculture in a Globalizing World. The
Road Ahead for Kerala, IP6 Working Paper No.3, NCCR-North-South (Swiss National
Science Foundation, Berne)
2) Obote Ochieng, C M (2007). Revitalising African agriculture through innovative business
models and organisational arrangements: promising developments in the traditional crops
sector, The Journal of Modern African Studies, 45, pp 143-169
3) Oommen M A (2008): Capabilities, Reform and the Kerala Model, Paper scheduled for
presentation at the Annual Conference of Human Development and Capability Association,
New Delhi, 10-13 September.
4) Prakash B.A & Prabhakaran V R (2008) Keralas Development issues in the new millennium,
Serial Publications, New Delhi.
5) Sumeet Gupta .A study on future potential of commodity market in India with
6)
7)
8)
9)
special reference to Rajasthan. Treasury Management-Sept-2008(pp.37-42)

T. Kiran Kumar . commodity futures -Guiding farmers to market.Treasury
Management-May 2008(pp.39-43)
Vivek Bhargavaa, and D. K. Malhotrab .The relationship between futures trading
activity and exchange rate volatility The Agricultural and Resource Economics
Review, Oct (1970)
V. Shanmugam and D. G. Prasad . Commodity futures- Afuture tool for Indian
banks.The Charted Financial Analyst August 2007 (pp. 55-59)
Zhiyao Chen and Robert .T. Daigler. An examination of the complementary
volume-volatility information theories, The Agricultural and Resource
Economics Review, Oct 2000
10) Nguyen tang Ton and Bui Chi Buu. How to prevent the most serious disease of black
pepper(pipper nigrum L)-A case study of Vietnam. Institute of Agricultural Sciences for
Southern Vietnam (2013)
11) Sajitha.Institutional Innovations and Black pepper cultivation in Kerala:An
exploration(2013)
12) de Silva, P. 1996. Studies of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)Viral Disease in Sri Lanka. PhD
Thesis. The University of Reading, UK.
13) Harper, 1974. Pepper in Indonesia - Cultivation and major diseases. World Crop 26(3):130133.
25
26

RMM and VCM - A Revolutionary Method For Boosting Black Pepper Production of Kerala-M A Jamiah

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

RMM and VCM - A Revolutionary Method For Boosting Black Pepper Production of Kerala-M A Jamiah

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Synthesis Paper On

MUHAMMED ABDUL JAMIAH.M

PGDM -ABPM 2014-16

MUHAMMED ABDUL JAMIAH.M

Methodology and Data sources

A brief description of Idukki and Wayanad

World scenario of Pepper production

Indian scenario of Pepper production

Pepper production in Kerala

Present marketing scenario of Pepper in Kerala

Problems associated with cultivation of Black pepper

RMM and VCM techniques to boost Black pepper production in Kerala

RMM AND VCM

3. Methodology and Data sources

4. A Brief Description of Idukki and Wayanad

scenario of pepper production

Table: 1. Country-wise Production of black pepper during 2001-2010 (Production in

Source: International Pepper Community -2011

Table: 2.Country-wise Area under pepper during 2001-2010 (Area in hectares)

Source: International Pepper Community -2011

6. Indian scenario of pepper production

Source: Directorate of Economics And Statistics

Source: Spice Board

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Source: Spice Board

7. Pepper production in Kerala

Source: Spice Board

2012-13 (284.2 kg/ha) from 2011-12 (368.1kg/ha).

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics

The district Idukki (29.6%) leads in production followed by Wayanad (20.9%).Where as in

Table : 9. District- wise productivity of pepper ( Productivity t/ha)

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics

8. Present marketing scenario of pepper in Kerala

Market Influencing Factors

9. Problems Associated with the cultivation of Black pepper

10. RMM & VCM Technique To Boost Black pepper production in

Rapid multiplication method (RMM)

The advantages of this method of propagation are:

Rapid multiplication rate (1:40),

Well-developed root system,

VCM (Vietnam Cultivation Method)

9) Intercropping and rotation

Fig: Components of VCM practice

special reference to Rajasthan. Treasury Management-Sept-2008(pp.37-42)

You might also like