Fairtrade Spice Farmers Visit ICAR-IISR to Explore Better Practices, Crop Protection and Value Addition

Spice Growers Take Their Questions to the Scientists

Eighteen farmers and representatives from five Fairtrade certified smallholder organizations, including Wayanad Organic Society, WSSS Organic Farmers Fairtrade Association and Sahyadri Fruits Producer Company, visited ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) on 17 September. Organized by Fairtrade NAPP, the exposure visit provided an opportunity for spice growers to learn about improved cultivation practices, pest and disease management, spice processing and planting materials directly from agricultural scientists.

Learning From Spice Research

Dr Lijo Thomas, Principal Scientist at ICAR-IISR, opened the programme with an overview of the institute's research and the wider network of agricultural research institutions in India. His session on Good Agricultural Practices for pepper and nutmeg covered cultivation methods farmers can use to improve yield, quality and long-term sustainability. It also introduced farmers to the public institutions that provide technical guidance.

Identifying and Managing Pests and Diseases

Dr Praveena R., Senior Scientist, led a session on pest and disease management in pepper, ginger and turmeric. Farmers worked through methods to identify common pests and fungal diseases, recognise early symptoms and apply suitable management and remedial measures. With early identification, farmers can act before pests spread further.

From Raw Spice to Finished Product

At the institute's processing unit, Dr Alfiya P.V. demonstrated a range of spice processing techniques and introduced diversified value-added products. The demonstration highlighted opportunities for producer organizations to explore processing alongside selling raw produce. Farmers' organizations can draw on these ideas as they consider diversifying their products.

Quality Starts in the Nursery

The visit also included a tour of the institute's nursery, where farmers observed planting materials and seedlings developed and maintained by ICAR-IISR. The session highlighted the role of suitable planting materials in establishing healthy spice gardens and maintaining crop quality.

By seeing the materials first-hand, farmers gained a better understanding of the resources available through agricultural research institutions and the potential value of accessing reliable planting materials for their farms.

Connecting Farmers with Scientific Expertise

Throughout the programme, farmers put field-level challenges to the scientists and received practical answers on the crops they cultivate. The visit also created opportunities for participants from different organizations and regions to exchange experiences and learn from one another.

Building Connections for Continued Learning

The visit opened a link between the participating organizations and ICAR-IISR, offering continued access to technical expertise, research-based practices and training.

Farmers will now test these practices under their own growing conditions over the coming seasons and see what works on their farms. Continued engagement between producer organizations and research institutions gives farmers a place to seek technical advice as they put these approaches into practice.