Large Cardamom variety · Traditional cultivar
Sawney
Also known as Red Sawney, Green Sawney
Indigenous landrace of Sikkim and Darjeeling; widespread across eastern Himalayan region · Farmer-maintained traditional selection; parent of ICRI Sikkim-1 and ICRI Sikkim-2
Widely adaptable cultivar performs better at mid-elevations (975–1515 m) than high elevations; shows negative correlation with altitude above 1515 m. Parent material for high-yielding ICRI selections. Blight disease incidence reported at 7.5%.
Key facts
| Type | Traditional cultivar |
|---|---|
| Origin | Indigenous landrace of Sikkim and Darjeeling; widespread across eastern Himalayan region |
| Breeder / source | Farmer-maintained traditional selection; parent of ICRI Sikkim-1 and ICRI Sikkim-2 |
| Parentage | Wild Himalayan germplasm; ancestral to two ICAR released varieties |
| Yield | Moderate-yielding at optimal mid-elevation; yield potential significantly exceeded by derived ICRI selections (800 kg/ha) |
| Tolerance | Moderate tolerance to Chirke and Foorkey viruses; relatively lower disease susceptibility than Ramsey or Bharlange |
| Distinctive features | Bold to medium capsules; widely cultivated across elevation zones; adaptable plant; good capsule fill and seed count; traditional smoke-curing quality |
| Grown in | Widespread in Sikkim, Darjeeling, Nepal, Bhutan; optimal 975–1515 m MSL |
| Also known as | Red Sawney, Green Sawney |
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.
Sawney in detail
Sawney is an indigenous landrace of Sikkim and Darjeeling that served as the parent stock for two high-yielding ICRI-selected cardamom varieties released in 2004.
Origin & story
Sawney is a farmer-maintained landrace of the eastern Himalayan region, particularly Sikkim and Darjeeling. It became foundational to India's large cardamom improvement programme when the Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI), Spices Board, at its Regional Station in Tadong (Sikkim), developed two high-yielding varieties—ICRI Sikkim-1 and ICRI Sikkim-2—by selection from the cultivar Sawney in 2004.
How it grows
Sawney is one of the more widely adaptable cultivars and is reported as suitable in both the mid-elevation (975–1515 m) and high-elevation (above 1515 m) zones, though it performs better at mid-elevations and shows a negative correlation with altitude above 1515 m. It is grown across Sikkim and Darjeeling and is one of six cultivars (along with Dzongu Golsey, Seremna, Ramsey, Ramla and Varlangey) that are popular choices among farmers in the region.
Quality & character
Capsules are bold to medium, with an average length of about 23.37 mm and good seed fill. Plants bear roughly 12 capsules per spike on average. Capsule quality is associated with traditional smoke-curing methods.
Why it matters to buyers
Sawney's adaptability across elevation zones and its role as parent stock for the commercial ICRI Sikkim-1 and ICRI Sikkim-2 varieties make it relevant to growers seeking a proven, widely cultivated landrace. Blight disease incidence has been reported at 7.5%.
About large cardamom
Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum), India's "black gold" of the spice world, thrives in the misty Himalayan valleys where ancient landrace traditions meet modern breeding science. From the indigenous Lepcha cultivars of Sikkim to formally released high-yielding selections, this aromatic capsule spans altitude zones and carries each region's terroir in its…
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