
On Day 1, the event began with a session by Dr. Muthuswami Murugan, Professor and Head of the Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, who discussed the impacts of climate change on cardamom plantations. He highlighted the existing challenges and consequences of climate change and provided farmers with remedial measures to mitigate these impacts. This was followed by a session led by Mr. Dileep Kumar, CEO of PAN India, where the harmful effects of pesticides on both health and the environment were discussed in detail. Next, Ms. Shilpamol CK, Project Officer, presented the analysis of soil test results from 50 cardamom fields, conducted in May 2024 and tested at the District Soil Testing Laboratory in Thodupuzha for various nutrients. The day concluded with Ms. Heera CK, Project Coordinator, presenting the Baseline Survey Report, which documented agricultural practices in the cardamom-growing regions of Vellathooval and Konnathady, based on a survey conducted among 100 farmers in November-December 2023, identifying potential interventions for agroecological strategies.

Dr. Muthuswami Murugan, Professor and Head, Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara

Mr. Dileep Kumar, CEO of PAN India

Heera CK, Project Coordinator

Shilpamol CK, Project Officer
On Day 2, the program started with a session on the major pests and diseases affecting cardamom, presented by Dr. M Nafeesa, Professor of Entomology at the Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara. She explained non-chemical control measures and introduced pest- and disease-resistant cardamom varieties. Following this, Ms. Usha Soolapani discussed the agroecological aspects of cardamom cultivation, focusing on the impacts of climate change and the mitigation measures farmers can adopt. The day concluded with a session by Mr. Anoop Kumar, an organic farming expert, who introduced biofertilizers, biocontrol agents, and on-farm preparations for cardamom cultivation. He also shared low-cost methods for applying bio agents and how to prepare bioactive solutions directly on the farm.