Nepal’s Green Gold Growing Beyond Borders
Nepal is known for its mountains, rivers and fertile land, making agriculture the backbone of the economy. There are numerous high valued crops produced in Nepal and the Alaichi (large cardamom) is considered one of the significant cash crops in the region. Alaichi farming in Nepal is referred to as the “black gold farming of the hills”. Besides being livelihood security for tens of thousands of farmers, it also helps to supplement Nepal’s export revenues.
It is the smell and flavor of cardamom that makes it one of the world’s most valuable spices. It is also found in tea, sweets, medicine and now perfume. The market demand and price are also high, so this farming has turned into a better option for the farmers in the hilly and mountainous areas of Nepal. In this blog, we study the history, growing condition, problems, opportunities and worldwide market demand of alaichi farming in Nepal.
History of Alaichi in Nepal
Alaichi farming in Nepal has a rich history of more than 150 years. It is believed that cardamom was first brought to Nepal and cultivated in the eastern hills of the country, specifically in the Ilam district in 1865 A.D. (1922 B.S.) during the Rana regime. Ilam had an advantage of climate, soil and altitude for the production of cardamom and the cultivation started to expand by small holders.
By the 1970s, alaichi had become one of the highest value export crops in Nepal, mainly to India, Bhutan and the Middle East. Trade statistics show that Nepal was once the world’s largest exporter of large cardamom, accounting for around 70% of the total global supply. Areas like Ilam, Taplejung, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Khotang and Dhankuta transformed as the alaichi belt.
Gradually, cardamom grew popular and is now cultivated in more than 38 districts of Nepal predominantly in the hilly and Himalayan regions from 600 meters to 2000 meters above sea level. Cardamom is still a major export product and Nepal is being joined by Bhutan and India in meeting market demands.
Importance of Alaichi Farming in Nepal
- High Value Crop: Alaichi is one of the most profitable crops per hectare compared to cereals and vegetables.
- Export Potential: Cardamom is Nepal’s one of the top agricultural exports, bringing in millions of rupees every year.
- Employment Generation: From farming to harvesting and processing, alaichi provides jobs to thousands of rural households.
- Foreign Exchange Earnings: Export of cardamom contributes significantly to Nepal’s trade balance.
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: Cardamom grows under shade trees and helps in conserving soil, preventing erosion and maintaining biodiversity.
Process of Alaichi Farming in Nepal
Alaichi farming requires knowledge, patience and proper care. Below is a step by step guide on alaichi farming in Nepal:
1. Suitable Climate and Land
- Grows best in humid, sub-tropical climates with an altitude of 600-2000 meters.
- Requires annual rainfall of 1500-2500 mm.
- Temperature between 10°C to 25°C is ideal.
- Needs shade trees such as alder, bamboo or uttis for protection.
2. Soil Requirements
- Deep, fertile and well drained loamy soil is best.
- pH level between 4.5 to 6.5 is suitable.
- Land with gentle slopes is preferred to allow drainage.
3. Nursery Preparation
- Healthy suckers or rhizomes are selected from disease free mother plants.
- Nursery beds are prepared under shade.
- Seedlings are kept in the nursery for 6-8 months before transplanting.
4. Planting
- Planting season: March – April or July – August.
- Pits are dug at 1.5-2 meters spacing.
- Seedlings are transplanted along with organic manure.
5. Shade Management
- Shade is crucial for protecting young plants from direct sunlight.
- Trees like alder not only provide shade but also fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility.
6. Irrigation and Weeding
- Alaichi requires moisture but not waterlogging.
- Irrigation may be needed during dry months.
- Weeding and mulching should be done 2-3 times a year.
7. Pest and Disease Management
- Major diseases: Chirkey virus, Foorkey virus, rhizome rot, leaf blight.
- Management: Use disease free planting material, regular field sanitation and improved resistant varieties.
8. Harvesting
- Plants start producing after 2-3 years of planting.
- Full productivity is achieved by the 5th year.
- Harvesting season: October-December when the capsules turn reddish-brown.
9. Post-Harvest Processing
- Capsules are washed and dried in bhatti (traditional dryers) or improved dryers.
- Proper drying is essential to maintain black color and aroma.
- Dried cardamom is cleaned, graded and packed for the market.
Opportunities of Alaichi Farming in Nepal
- Global Demand: There is high demand in India, Middle East, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Europe.
- High Export Value: Alaichi is called “black gold” because of its high price in international markets.
- Agro-climatic Advantage: Nepal’s geography is naturally suitable for cardamom cultivation.
- Youth Employment: Many youths can engage in alaichi farming instead of going abroad.
- Organic Branding: Nepal can promote its cardamom as organic, increasing its market value.
- Government Support: Subsidies, training and farmer cooperatives are promoting alaichi farming.
Challenges of Alaichi Farming in Nepal
- Diseases and Pests: Viral diseases like Chirkey and Foorkey have destroyed large areas of plantations.
- Climate Change: Unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures reduce productivity.
- Poor Infrastructure: Lack of modern dryers, grading machines and storage facilities.
- Market Fluctuations: Prices are unstable due to dependency on Indian markets.
- Middlemen Exploitation: Farmers often do not get fair prices because of middlemen.
- Limited Research: Lack of investment in improved varieties and disease control methods.
National and International Market of Alaichi
Nepal is one of the world’s top producers of large cardamom.
- Top producing districts: Ilam, Taplejung, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha.
- Export markets: India (main buyer), Pakistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Europe.
- Price in Nepal: Around NRs. 1,200-1,800 per kg depending on quality.
- International Price: Can reach USD 15–20 per kg in wholesale markets and much higher in retail packaging.
Identifying High and Low-Quality Cardamom
High Quality: Large, uniform, well dried black capsules with strong aroma.
Low Quality: Shrivelled, brownish, mixed or poorly dried capsules with weak aroma.
Proper drying and grading increase the value significantly in export markets.
Case Studies / Success Stories
- In Ilam, many farmers have shifted from traditional crops like maize and millet to alaichi farming. Their annual income has increased several times.
- Cooperative groups in Taplejung have started exporting directly to international buyers, cutting out middlemen.
- Some young entrepreneurs are packaging and branding alaichi as organic Nepali spice for supermarkets abroad.
Future of Alaichi Farming in Nepal
With proper disease management, improved technology, branding and government support, alaichi farming in Nepalcan become a major driver of Nepal’s rural economy. Global demand for natural and organic spices is rising and Nepal can take advantage of this opportunity.
Conclusion
Alaichi farming in Nepal is more than just an agricultural activity, it is a lifeline for thousands of rural households and a potential pillar of Nepal’s economy. From its introduction in Ilam in the 19th century to becoming one of the top exports today, alaichi has played an important role in shaping Nepal’s agricultural landscape.
If we can overcome challenges like disease, market instability and lack of infrastructure, alaichi farming in Nepal can reach new heights. With youth participation, modern technology and strong branding, Nepal can truly make alaichi a global brand while ensuring prosperity for its farmers. If you need more information, you can Contact Us.
