Cardamom variety · Farmer selection
Arjun
Also known as Arjun Cardamom
Idukki, Kerala · Menuwin Thomas · 2015 (8th National Grassroots Innovation Award)
High elevation adapted variety (suitable for ~3000 ft elevation) with larger capsules (50% at 10mm x 8mm) commanding market value. Strong recovery (20-25% dry) and specific thrips/stem borer resistance for high-altitude Idukki conditions.
Key facts
| Type | Farmer selection |
|---|---|
| Origin | Idukki, Kerala |
| Breeder / source | Menuwin Thomas |
| Year released | 2015 (8th National Grassroots Innovation Award) |
| Parentage | Not documented in available sources |
| Yield | 2000-3000 kg/ha dry (reported) |
| Tolerance | Resistant to thrips and stem borer |
| Distinctive features | Oval, pale green capsules; 50% of capsules 10mm length x 7-8mm width; 20-25% dry recovery; suited for 3000 ft elevation areas |
| Grown in | Idukki, Kerala |
| Also known as | Arjun Cardamom |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
Arjun in detail
Arjun is a farmer-selected cardamom from Kerala's high elevations, recognized for larger capsules and pest resistance adapted to the Idukki growing region.
Origin & story
Menuwin Thomas of Idukki, Kerala, developed this variety through farmer selection and was awarded the 8th National Grassroots Innovation Award in 2015 by the National Innovation Foundation-India for his work on high-altitude cardamom cultivation.
How it grows
Arjun is suited to cultivation at approximately 3,000 feet elevation in Kerala's cooler hill zones. It is reported to show resistance to cardamom thrips and stem borer, both significant pests at high altitude, making it well-adapted to the moisture-rich conditions of the Idukki region.
Quality & character
About 50% of capsules reach 10 mm length by 7–8 mm width, larger than many standard varieties. Capsules are oval and pale green. The variety achieves a dry recovery of 20–25%.
Why it matters to buyers
The larger 10 mm capsule size is the variety's main commercial draw, as bolder cardamom pods generally command higher prices than smaller grades.
About cardamom
In Kerala's rolling spice gardens, cardamom isn't just one plant—it's three distinct botanical types, each with its own character. The Malabar type, with flowers drooping down like a skirt, thrives in the softer elevations of 600–1200 metres. Mysore stands tall and erect, reaching its best between 900–1200 metres on the wind-swept heights. And Vazhukka, a…
Live market rate
Today's cardamom price
See the latest cardamom rate, daily range and recent trend from verified mandi & auction sources.
Other cardamom varieties
From the Western Ghats
Buy clean, graded cardamom from AroWest
AroWest is the spice & aromatics label of Western Crest Ventures LLP — hand-cleaned, sorted, sealed and traceable harvests from Idukki and the wider Western Ghats. Registered LLP · Udyam (MSME) · FSSAI · GST.