Consistent Decline in Acreage and Output

Kerala, once the stronghold of India's black pepper cultivation, has seen a sharp 25% decline in production over the past decade. According to Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur, the state's black pepper yield is estimated to have dropped by 8–10% in the current season alone. In 2014–15, Kerala had 85,431 hectares under black pepper cultivation. By 2023–24, that number had fallen to 72,669 hectares, resulting in production falling from 40,690 tonnes to 30,798 tonnes.

Key Reasons Behind the Drop

Several challenges have led to the slump in output. A major factor has been recurring pest infestations and diseases, particularly foot rot, which continues to impact the crop. The 2018 and 2019 floods made things worse by damaging plantations and discouraging farmers from reinvesting in pepper due to weak prices at the time.

Soil degradation, lack of moisture conservation, and crop shifts toward more profitable alternatives have further contributed to this decline.

Snapshot – Kerala Black Pepper Trends (2014–2024)

Export Trends and Pricing Pressure

India’s black pepper, while premium in quality, often faces stiff competition due to its higher price compared to other origins. Export volumes fluctuate depending on international availability and pricing, but Indian pepper still enjoys niche demand where quality is prioritized over cost.

Government Interventions Underway

To support the struggling farmers, several programmes are in place. The Kerala State Horticulture Mission is actively promoting initiatives such as:

• Distribution of quality planting material
• Expansion of new gardens
• Rejuvenation of old plantations
• Improved post-harvest management and market access

Additionally, institutions like the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) and Kerala Agricultural University have introduced 21 high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, which now make up 70% of India’s total black pepper growing areas.

With these support systems in place, Kerala’s pepper farmers may be better positioned to recover in the coming years.