Cardamom variety · Released variety
ICRI-1
Also known as ICRI 1
Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara) · Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) · 1980s
Early maturing Malabar type. Medium-sized panicles, globose extra bold dark green capsules. Pioneering ICRI release that significantly improved yields in Kerala.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | Idukki, Kerala (ICRI Myladumpara) |
| Breeder / source | Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) |
| Year released | 1980s |
| Parentage | Malabar type selection from ICRI germplasm |
| Yield | 656 kg dry/ha reported |
| Tolerance | Moderate disease tolerance; suited to 600–1200 m |
| Distinctive features | Malabar type, medium panicles, extra bold globose dark green capsules |
| Grown in | Kerala cardamom tracts, 600–1200 m |
| Also known as | ICRI 1 |
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.
ICRI-1 in detail
ICRI-1 is an early-maturing Malabar cardamom from India's Indian Cardamom Research Institute, bred to push yields beyond traditional landraces.
Origin & story
ICRI-1 was developed at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute (established 1978 as the research wing of India's Spices Board at Myladumpara, Idukki, Kerala). It was released in the 1980s as one of ICRI's pioneering small-cardamom varieties (ICRI 1, ICRI 2 and later releases). At the time it helped improve farmer productivity across Kerala's cardamom belt.
How it grows
ICRI-1 is suited to the South Idukki zone of Kerala and similar areas with well-distributed rainfall. Being early-maturing, it flowers and fruits prolifically with medium-sized panicles (flower clusters). Yield potential is documented at around 660 kg/ha of dried capsules under standard management.
Quality & character
Malabar-type capsules: globose, extra-bold, dark green in colour. Essential oil content is about 8.65% and dry recovery (shell-to-dried-capsule yield) about 22.9%. The variety flowers profusely, contributing to its productivity.
Why it matters to buyers
ICRI-1 delivers consistent bold, dark green dried capsules suitable for mainstream cardamom trade and spice blending. Its essential oil content (about 8.65%) makes it useful for flavour-critical applications. Later ICRI releases such as ICRI-6 carry higher documented yield potential (around 1,200 kg/ha), but ICRI-1 remains a proven, accessible variety for growers.
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…
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