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Harvesting

Harvesting: 

The indication of time of harvest is when the seeds of top most capsules turn brown. As soon as the said colour appears and to enhance maturity bearing tillers are cut at a height of 30-40 cm from ground and left for another 10-15 days for full maturity. The spikes are harvested by using special knives known as "Elaichichhuri". The harvested spikes are heaped and capsules separated and dried. The cured capsules are rubbed on wire mesh for cleaning and removal of calyx (tail).

Traditionally cardamom is cured in Bhatti, where capsules are dried by direct heating. Under this system the cardamom comes in direct contact with smoke which turns the capsules to dark brown or black with smoky smell. Improved curing techniques are presently available in which cardamom is processed to give quality and appearance. One such method is ICRI Improved Bhatti curing system developed where cardamom is dried through indirect. The system is available in 200 & 400 kg fresh capsules) capacities, cost is estimated as Rs 12,000/- and Rs 21,000/- respectively. In this cardamom is dried by indirect heating at 45-50* C .Curing is done till moisture content of the produce is brought down to 10% level & gives metallic sound while shuffling.