Kerala nutmeg variety receives national recognition for superior yield, quality

Thodupuzha: A new variety of nutmeg developed in Idukki district has gained national recognition for its superior quality and yield. Named the Thottanal variety, it has been granted official registration and patent.

The Thottanal variety was cultivated by TM Pushkaran, a farmer and agricultural innovator from Adimali. The variety is the result of over 20 years of experimental observation and selective cultivation. Pushkaran observes that the Thottanal variety stands out for its high-quality fruits and leaves, notable weight, and healthy plant growth.

The tree has shown remarkable resistance to fungal infections, particularly during Kerala’s monsoon season – a period when most nutmeg trees suffer from leaf fall and premature fruit drop. The Thottanal variety, however, remained unaffected. It also exhibits excellent growth and yield across various climatic conditions in Kerala, and the variety is currently under further study by the Kerala Agricultural University in Thrissur.

Pushkaran’s initial experiments involved budding seedlings from the original tree and planting them across different regions in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. All test plantations have been successful, with the trees showing uniform growth, fruit quality, and resilience. The budded plants start fruiting within three years, whereas traditional nutmeg varieties take longer to mature.

Double the weight, higher returns

One of the most noteworthy features of the Thottanal nutmeg is its fruit weight and mace content. A matured tree (with over 15 years of growth) can yield over 2,000 fruits annually.

While standard nutmeg mace weighs between 3 to 3.5 grams, the mace from the Thottanal variety can weigh up to 7.5 grams. Approximately one kilogram of dried mace can be obtained from about 200 nutmegs.

The mature fruit can weigh over 15 grams. In terms of dried nutmeg production, normal varieties require 100–120 fruits to produce one kilogram nutmeg seeds. The Thottanal variety needs just around 70 fruits for the same yield.