인도 허브, 향신료 및 조미료 인사이트

According to sources, cardamom cultivation area in India exceeds 70,000 hectares and is a high-value export crop crucial to farmers' livelihoods and India's spice economy. Thrips infestation can affect 30-90% of pods, causing yield reductions of up to 45-48%. The resulting economic losses are substantial, reaching up to 200,000-400,000 rupees per acre. Until now, farmers have had almost no alternative to repeated chemical pesticide spraying, which has led to health risks, high input costs, and residue issues. Now, a research team from the Indian Spice Research Institute has developed a bio-pesticide based on the natural fungus Lecanicillium psalliotae. This fungus can directly infect thrips at all life stages. The natural biological control agent, isolated from cardamom thrips, has been confirmed as effective as synthetic pesticides in field trials conducted in Kerala's Idukki and Wayanad regions. Dr. R. Dinesh, Director of the Indian Spice Research Institute, stated: "The application of this biological control technology will revolutionize the cardamom industry. The product is a safer, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides that helps improve soil health, increase yields, and meets global residue requirements." The granular formulation is convenient to use and can be easily mixed with organic fertilizers and applied to soil. The product can be applied 3-4 times during the crop growth cycle, aligning with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Beyond pest control, this fungus can also improve plant health and nutrient utilization, providing dual benefits for farmers. The bio-pesticide has been laboratory certified by CIBRC, meets regulatory requirements, and is ready for commercial licensing and production. The Indian Spice Research Institute is now inviting agricultural input companies and industry partners to bring it to market, expanding its reach to benefit cardamom growers in India and globally. This innovative achievement stems from a team of scientists including Dr. C. M. Senthil Kumar, Dr. T. K. Jacob, and Dr. S. Devasahayam, who are dedicated to ensuring the bio-pesticide's suitability for field application.

India's sugar production is poised for a significant rebound, potentially leading to surplus production for two consecutive years. Farmers are expanding sugarcane cultivation, encouraged by abundant rainfall boosting crop yields. This resurgence could allow India, the world's second-largest sugar producer, to increase exports in 2025/26 after recent export restrictions due to drought-affected yields.

In several samples of basmati rice, tested by the Punjab Rice Producers and Exporters Association, pesticide residues were found to exceed permissible limits significantly.