author(s)
Subin Thomas, Dr. Nahar Singh, Dr. Kumud Shukla, Dr. Ashish Samarpit Noel and Dr. Ghanshyam Kumar Pandey

abstract
The present study was carried out to find constraints faced by green cardamom growers and exporters in Idukki district of Kerala state. A complete list of all the cardamom registered (CR) growers of both the blocks are collected from the Spices Board. Thus, altogether 210 green cardamom growers were selected in all the selected villages, which consist of 62 small, 118 medium and 30 large size farm groups were randomly selected. Hence, in all 36 market intermediaries were selected, which include 5 auctioneers, 4 institutions/companies, 10 traders, 10 retailers and 7 exporters. As the problems vary based on size of farming, these were analyzed from the point of view of small, medium, large green cardamom growers and selected exporters with the help of Garett’s Ranking Technique. The major cultivation problems encountered is ‘high cost of cultivation’ (74.33)was the most dominant factor, drought or heavy rainfall (68.22), Insect and Pest of green cardamom (65.33).The highest constraint faced by the green cardamom growers due to labour constraints are due to ‘high labour wage’(67.10), ‘lack of skill labour’(57.30) and ‘scarcity of agricultural workers’(50.30).At present (2020-21) shortage of laborer due to COVID-19, family laborers play as local skill laborers come forward to overcome the crisis situation. The marketing constraints faced by the green cardamom exporter. The highest constraint faced by the exporter due to poor quality supply/production (73.90). Thepresent study on the marketing of green cardamom, marketing problems, encountered by the growers, the strength and weaknesses of the present marketing system in Idukki district is analysed. In these areas, the attention of planners and policy makers is requiredto overcome the constraints experienced by growers and intermediaries in production and marketing of green cardamom.