Inclement weather delays pepper harvest in Kerala
January 20, 2021
Inclement weather in pepper growing regions in Kerala has forced growers to delay the harvest in the current season.
The climatic conditions, with cloudy weather and rains in the evening, have affected maturing of berries in spikes, which could result in lower production, said Kishore Shamji, Co-oridnator, Indian Pepper and Spice Traders Growers Planters Consortium, Kerala chapter.
The southern districts in Kerala normally start harvest during November and December. But this year, it commenced late from January especially in Idukki, Pathanamthitta as rains prevented farmers from plucking. If the harvested pepper was not dried on the next day, the shortage would be much higher and lower the bulk density of the crop, he said.