The economic landscape of clove production in India: challenges and opportunities

Challenges and opportunities for clove production in India

Abstract

Clove is a valuable spice commodity with high demand in India, yet domestic production has remained stagnant, leading to import dependency. This study analyzed the clove economy in India, focusing on production trends, trade patterns, cost of production, and returns from clove farming. The data from primary survey of 40 clove plantations from five clove growing regions of Kerala (Idukki, Kozhikode and Kollam districts) and Tamil Nadu (Kanyakumari and Tenkasi districts) were used to estimate the cost of production and profitability of clove farming. The cost of production was estimated to be Rs 581 per kilogram of dry clove. The study reveals that clove cultivation faces challenges such as low genetic variability, poor agronomic practices, inadequate soil fertility management, biotic stress factors, senile plantations, unorganized markets, and labour shortages during harvest. These challenges constrain domestic production and hinder profitability. Intervention opportunities include developing high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, enhancing extension services and training, strengthening disease and pest control measures, encouraging replanting and rejuvenation of senile plantations, establishing organized markets and price stabilization mechanisms, and addressing labour shortages during harvest. Addressing these challenges and implementing suggested interventions can increase domestic clove production, reduce import dependency, and improve the profitability and sustainability of clove farming in India.