Pepper farming in India has typically been chiefly conquered by South Indian states such as Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka, the foremost producer, contributed 89,000 metric tonnes, trailed by Kerala during the FY 2023-2024.
“In the Northeast, states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura are observing noteworthy development in pepper gardening,” Deputy Director of Spices Board India, Dwijendra Mohan Barman, said.
He further said Tata Group has primarily pronounced pepper farming below shade trees in total tea gardens in Assam. “Now, pepper is cultivated across 10,000 hectares in the region,” Mohan Barman said and added, “Northeast India’s pepper is acclaimed for its high quality, often of better quality than the imported diversities from Vietnam.”
Specialists, particularly from the Spices Board India, highlighted that pepper farming does not need added land, making it a feasible choice for agriculturalists observing to expand their agrarian habits.
Fortified by the area’s agro-climatic conditions, lush soil, and plenty of rainfall, pepper production in the Northeast is expected to grow progressively.
The Meghalaya government, for instance, has hurled a mission-mode project to boost large-scale pepper cultivation. Both Tripura and Meghalaya have recorded the highest growth in cultivation area, while Assam and Tripura lead in production growth rates. On the other hand, Nagaland has the highest unpredictability in production, while the Northeast region shows instability in the cultivation area.
In 2024, Assam’s black pepper production reached 2.834 tons, showcasing an increase from 2023. Northeast’s pepper production is poised for a massive development in the coming years, driven by government initiatives, study partnerships, and the introduction of high-yielding varieties.
This progress promises to strengthen the region’s agricultural diversity and provide sustainable income opportunities for its farming communities. Pepper cultivation in Northeast India - states like Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, is gaining admiration due to its appropriate climatic circumstances and soil types. Black pepper, known as the "king of spices," thrives in warm, humid surroundings.
The region's appropriate parts comprise the Brahmaputra Valley and hilly areas in Assam, the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, and the rich, loamy soils and moist weather in Nagaland and Mizoram.
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Farming practices comprise spreads through stem cuttings, planting during the monsoon, using a support system with trees or poles for vines, and using organic composts like cow dung and compost. However, challenges comprise pests and diseases like foot rot, anthracnose, and pollen beetles. Other problems comprise poor market reach due to poor infrastructure and climate inconsistency, upsetting output.
Government benefits are obtainable through schemes like the National Mission on Medicinal Plants and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), as well as training and support from regional agricultural universities and ICAR research centres. Black pepper has high market prices and export potential. Organic pepper cultivation is particularly lucrative due to the growing demand for organic spices.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
