Growth Dynamics of Black Pepper Cultivation in Idukki District, Kerala: Trends in Area, Production and Productivity

Abstract

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is an important commercial spice crop in Kerala, with Idukki District being the leading producer. The trends and growth of pepper farming in Idukki with reference to area, production and productivity during 2014–15 to 2020–21, using secondary data from the Department of Economics and Statistics, Government of Kerala. CAGR, annual growth rate, descriptive statistics and trend analysis are employed. The findings reveal a decline in area, manufacture and output, with production declining more sharply than cultivated area. The study highlights the need for better farming practices, disease management, climate-resilient technologies, quality planting materials and effective extension and marketing support to enhance pepper manufacture and yield in Idukki District.