Heavy pesticide use puts Keralam’s cardamom ecosystem under pressure
Farmers in Kerala’s cardamom region are using multiple pesticides, fungicides, micronutrients and growth regulators together in a single tank due to a year‑round harvest enabled by rising temperatures. Researchers say the practice, known as “tank‑mixing,” can stress the plants, raise susceptibility to disease and harm pollinators essential for the crop’s health. Environmentalists warn the approach threatens the region’s biodiversity and long‑term productivity.