Heat wave: Plantation sector pins hopes on long-term relief package

Kochi: Farmers are seeking long-term packages from the government to address the current crisis faced in the plantation sector due to soaring temperatures. 

As a result of the heatwave, there has been a significant decline of 25-50 per cent in the production of crops like cardamom, tea, coffee, rubber, and black pepper. In order to address this situation, different organisations of plantation owners are considering reaching out to the government for support.

Extreme heat has turned out to be the villain for all those who have invested in crops, hoping for better returns. According to experts, this phenomenon is likely to continue in the coming years. Not only does the intense heat adversely impact the yield, it also diminishes the overall quality of the crops.

The heat wave has affected cardamom cultivation the most. The wells and ponds installed for irrigation in these plantations have already dried up and aggravated the crisis. Meanwhile, restrictions are placed on the use of pesticides in some areas. Plantation owners said that the situation could become severe if the state does not receive an adequate amount of rainfall in the coming days.