Kochi, Aug 12 (IANS): Farmers of cardamom-growing villages in Kerala's Idukki district will be educated on the judicious use of pesticides, the authorities said on Wednesday.
A team of scientists and officers from the Spices Board will visit 34 villages in August and September for this.
The board said the step is a part of an initiative for an Integrated Pest Management awareness campaign aimed at the production of quality cardamom.
The board has constituted seven teams for the programme.
Kerala accounts for 70 percent of the country's cardamom production, with around 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes produced annually.
The programme involves a combination of measures to ensure effective pest management without disturbing the ecosystem and steps to reduce pollution.