June 2025
Small and marginal scale certified organic farmers in and around Idukki district are able to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of changing climate, by following agricultural practices based on the principles of regenerative organic practices. Peermade Development Society, an NGO has been helping these farmers build farm sustainability by promoting agroecological practices.
The Western Ghats is a mountain range that covers an area of 160,000 km2 in a stretch of 1,600 km parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula. It is one of the eight hotspots of biological diversity in the world. The agro-ecosystems of the Western Ghats are defined by traditional agroforestry systems that integrate Coffee, Tea, Spices, and other crops with native and introduced tree species.
Over the past 50 years, the region has experienced an average temperature rise of 0.8°C; while there is a declining trend in the number of rainy days, the total annual rainfall volume has remained constant, indicating a shift towards more intense and sporadic rainfall events. This climate change has made environmental stress worse by causing flash floods, landslides, protracted droughts and erratic monsoons, which in turn has negative impacts on agriculture, water availability, and forest regeneration. In the Spices sector, this resulted in production loss of pepper crop by 28%. Emergence of new pests and diseases affecting crops like cardamom and turmeric, prompted indiscriminate usage of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, resulting in soil quality deterioration and ecological degradation.
Peermade Development Society (PDS), an NGO, based in Idukki district of Western Ghats, in Kerala state of India, has been encouraging small and marginal farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices since 1980. PDS is engaged in promoting organic farming, biodiversity conservation and enhancement, research and development, organic products processing and marketing for the empowerment of small and marginal scale farmers and to create a resilient value chain. PDS has a well-established farm extension, organic spices processing and quality assurance system.
PDS has been implementing agricultural practices based on the principles of regenerative organic practices in order to create an agro ecosystem which helps the farmers to mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change. It has been promoting climate resilient local/farmer varieties, conserving agro biodiversity, soil health regeneration and efficient management of natural resources, encouraging farmer innovations and traditional knowledge, thereby ensuring the sustainability of farming.
Agro-ecological approaches for climate resilience
Around 2000 small and marginal scale certified organic farmers in and around Idukki district region are aggregated under the agro-processing and exports unit of Peermade Development Society, known as PDS Organic Spices. These farmers employ agro-ecological principles to enhance soil fertility and water retention, making their farms more resilient to climatic variability. One of the key strategies includes the integration of agroforestry, where spice crops such as Cardamom, Pepper and Nutmeg are grown alongside shade-providing trees.
Another widely practiced method is the multi-tier agroforestry system, where black Pepper vines climb Silver oak or Gliricidia trees, while shade-loving crops like Cardamom and Coffee thrive under dense canopies. Spice-based home gardens integrate Turmeric, Ginger, Pepper and Nutmeg with tuber crops, fruit and timber trees, ensuring year-round crop diversity and household food security. In the silvi-horticultural system, spices are cultivated alongside Nutmeg, Arecanut, and Coconut, promoting nutrient recycling. Alley cropping with nitrogen-fixing plants like Gliricidia enhances soil fertility and reduces erosion, while shade-grown agroforestry supports Coffee and Cardamom cultivation under native tree species, fostering biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
PDS has revived the traditional practice of using Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), a native grass of the Western Ghats, to combat soil erosion and nutrient loss in the hilly tracts of Idukki district. Traditionally valued for its ecological role in stabilizing soil and its roots’ medicinal properties in Ayurveda, Vetiver’s use had diminished over time. Recognizing its immense benefits, PDS has reintroduced this natural bio-engineering system as part of its regenerative agriculture initiatives. Vetiver slips are now cultivated in PDS’s own nursery and supplied to spice farmers for planting along contour lines, enhancing soil conservation and sustainability in the region.
This forest-integrated agroforestry, mimicking natural ecosystems helps the farmers in hilly regions for sustainable spice production. These systems not only improve farm resilience, soil erosion, maintains soil moisture, essential in times of erratic rainfall, but also align with organic and Fairtrade principles, contributing to climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation.
Water conservation and management
In spite of the abundance of rainfall, scarcity of water is quite frequent in the hilly areas during summer owing to drying up of dug wells and springs. Majority of crops are largely rainfed and few use open wells, small ponds or check dams for sourcing irrigation water. The life cycle of the spices is completely dependent on the seasonal climatic conditions. So the water management is an important driver in the Western Ghats to create a resilient agriculture system.
PDS Organic Spices has initiated the revival of traditional rainwater harvesting methods, such as farm ponds and check dams etc., to ensure water availability during dry spells. Rain water harvesting structures and water recharging systems have been built in many of the farms and the processing center. Water neutral production has been achieved at the processing center with more than 1,0000,000 liters of rain water being harvested. This meets the entire annual requirement of water for the processing center.
On a landscape scale, watershed management programme including terracing, bunding, construction of check dams was undertaken. Since 2020, under its watershed management programme, PDS has undertaken significant initiatives to enhance water conservation and accessibility across Idukki district. The organization has successfully recharged 90 wells and renovated water sources in 60 villages. In addition, PDS has facilitated community drinking water schemes in 15 villages, benefiting over 250 families. To further support water sustainability, 110 rainwater harvesting structures have been constructed in various villages. Soil and water conservation efforts also include the creation of 20,000 square meters of stone bunds and 3,000 cubic meters of gully plugging structures across the region.
Additionally, farmers practice soil moisture conservation through intercropping and mulching. Drip irrigation and mulching techniques are widely used to optimize water usage, reducing wastage and ensuring efficient distribution to crops. Cover crops such as cowpea and leguminous plants are cultivated between spice crops, preventing excessive evaporation and improving soil structure. These measures collectively enhance the resilience of farming systems over prolonged dry periods.
Climate-resilient crop selection and diversification
One of the most effective strategies adopted by PDS Organic Spices farmers is crop diversification. Farmers are encouraged to incorporate both intraspecies and interspecies diversity in their crops, as reliance on a single crop or variety can be risky, especially given the unpredictability of weather patterns.
Furthermore, PDS has facilitated access to climate-resilient and locally adapted seed varieties. For example, drought-resistant varieties of cardamom and pest-resistant strains of traditional pepper varieties have been popularized. These varieties require minimal external inputs and are better suited to withstand climatic stressors such as heat waves and excessive rainfall.
Scouting farmer’s innovations to address localized farming problems
It is widely acknowledged that a significant gap exists in technology adoption at the farm level, often attributed to the shortcomings of traditional extension systems. However, PDS Organic Spices recognizes that the challenge lies not only in extension but also in the accessibility and affordability of lab-developed technologies, which often fails to meet farmers’ practical needs and creating resilient systems. In response, PDS has redefined the conventional “Lab to Land” approach into “Land to Lab”, emphasizing farmer-driven innovation. The Center for Land to Lab Initiatives champions local spice plant varieties, indigenous knowledge, and farmer-led innovations, fostering a participatory model that has gained widespread recognition. Notable innovations include locally adapted, climate resilient, high-yielding spice varieties such as cardamom, pepper, nutmeg, and ginger, alongside advancements in organic input production, composting techniques, post-harvest processing (dryers and cleaners), organic rooting hormones derived from moringa leaves, grafting and layering methods, and sustainable pest and disease management solutions. Rooted in generations of farming wisdom, this approach empowers farmers with practical, cost-effective solutions, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern organic farming practices towards attaining a resilient agro-eco system in the region.
Organic farming practices to increase carbon sequestration
PDS Organic Spices promotes organic farming practices that aim to enhance soil biodiversity and soil organic carbon. The quality of organic inputs plays a crucial role in soil carbon sequestration. Organic manures such as vermicompost, biodynamic composts, Harithakashayam, green manures, traditional fermented liquid formulations etc., improve soil structure, enhance microbial activity, increase nutrient availability, and promote water retention, contributing to overall soil fertility and resilience. Likewise, products derived from aerobic composting and anaerobic digestions are also expected to enhance soil organic carbon more efficiently than raw plant materials.
The regenerative organic farming practices followed by farmers under PDS Organic Spices focus on managing soil biodiversity rather than merely managing soil fertility, as soil health is largely dependent on soil biota activity. These practices include soil fertility assessment in the PDS Organic Spices analytical lab, where farmers receive soil health cards; promoting mixed crop cultivation to reduce nutrient loss; avoiding chemical fertilizers while increasing soil organic matter; and supplying high-quality organic agricultural inputs through the farmer support system. Additionally, farmers ensure maximum soil cover with vegetation to minimize water loss through evaporation and nutrient loss through leaching. Vetiver plants are strategically planted along contours to prevent soil erosion, while measures such as stone bunds and gully plugging further aid in soil conservation. Capacity-building initiatives equip farmers with knowledge and skills for soil health regeneration, reinforcing the sustainability of organic farming in the region.
Integrated pest and disease management
With changing climate conditions, pest and disease outbreaks have become more frequent. The interplay between pesticide use and climate change forms a concerning feedback loop. The production, transportation, and application of pesticides emit significant greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributing to global warming. Also, the manufacturing of some herbicides, involves large scale mining and processing, activities known for substantial environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.
PDS Organic Spices farmers have adopted organic pest management techniques, avoiding reliance on synthetic pesticides. Biological control methods, including the use of beneficial insects and herbal-based organic pesticides, help in managing pests and diseases.
Farmers also follow a practice of crop rotation to break pest cycles and prevent soil-borne diseases. The use of some traditional botanical extracts, such as garlic and turmeric sprays, acts as a natural deterrent against fungal and bacterial infections. These eco-friendly approaches ensure that spice crops remain healthy while preserving the ecological balance of the region.
Biodiversity protection and enhancement
PDS Organic Spices has initiated the process of adapting a Biodiversity Action Plan at the field level to integrate farm practices with local knowledge in the spice farms of the Western Ghats. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in enhancing climate resilience by improving ecosystem stability, supporting soil health, and increasing farm adaptability to changing climatic conditions. This initiative focuses on promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services through awareness programs while also establishing a baseline record of soil microbial populations in the region’s spice farms. As part of the plan, climate-resilient local varieties of spice plants are identified, multiplied, and distributed to strengthen farm sustainability. Additionally, the promotion of native plant species that support pollinators and predators, especially honeybees, helps maintain ecological balance and improve crop productivity. Avoiding pesticides and herbicides further enhances floral, faunal, and microbial diversity within farms, creating a more resilient agricultural system. To quantify environmental benefits, carbon sequestration assessments are conducted at the individual farm level using scientific tools, ensuring accurate documentation of climate mitigation efforts. Traditional knowledge on biodiversity and climate resilience is systematically recorded and integrated into field practices, preserving valuable indigenous farming wisdom. Furthermore, medicinal plants suitable for intercropping are identified and promoted, providing farmers with additional income opportunities while enhancing ecological sustainability.
Community participation and knowledge sharing
The success of climate-resilient farming within PDS Organic Spices is attributed to strong community participation and farmer-led knowledge exchange. Regular training programs, farmer field schools and participatory learning sessions are organized to equip farmers with the latest techniques in climate adaptation. Peer-to-peer learning has enabled the rapid adoption of successful farming models, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Moreover, women farmers play a crucial role in these initiatives. Through self-help groups, they actively engage in seed conservation, organic input preparation and value-added spice processing. This not only enhances household incomes but also empowers rural women in decision-making processes related to sustainable farming.
Policy Advocacy and Certifications
PDS Organic Spices has been instrumental in advocating for policy support to promote climate-resilient farming. Through collaborations with government agencies and producer networks, PDS Organic Spices has been leading the process of creating a resilient agro-ecosystem in the region. Certification programs such as organic and Fairtrade labels further incentivize sustainable and climate smart agricultural practices, which in turn ensures sustainable living income for their households.
Certification standards play a pivotal role in promoting environmentally sustainable and economically viable farming practices. By ensuring compliance with rigorous environmental and social criteria, these certifications not only contribute to biodiversity conservation, soil health, and reduced chemical inputs but also provide economic stability to farmers under PDS organic Spices network. Stable and fair pricing mechanisms enable smallholder farmers to reinvest in climate adaptation measures, such as diversified cropping systems, soil regeneration techniques, and water conservation strategies. PDS Organic Spices believe that, a comprehensive policy approach that aligns certification standards with national and global climate goals will empower farmers, enhance food security, and foster a resilient and sustainable agricultural economy.
Conclusion
The climate-resilient farming practices adopted by PDS Organic Spices farmers demonstrate the power of sustainable agriculture in mitigating climate risks. By integrating traditional wisdom with modern agroecological practices, these farmers have successfully created a model that enhances productivity while preserving environmental integrity. Their efforts serve as an inspiration for other farming communities seeking to build resilience against the ever-growing challenges of climate change. Moving forward, continuous innovation, policy support, and collective action will be key to scaling up these sustainable farming practices across different agro-ecosystems.
References
Mann, Rohit, Saini, Deepak & Sharma, Swati & Dhorde, Amit & Gupta, Anju., Paradoxical behaviour of rainfall and temperature over ecologically sensitive areas along the Western Ghats, 2023, 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2581616/v1.
Sabu, Sachu, Kuruvila, Anil & Manojkumar, K., Status of Production and Export of Indian Black Pepper, 2020
Georgina Menon, K., Venkateshwar Reddy, K., Boje Gowd, B.H., Paul Vijay, P., Jhansi, R., Pesticides and Climate Change Feedback Loop. In: Babaniyi, B.R., Babaniyi, E.E. (eds) The Interplay of Pesticides and Climate Change, 2025, Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-81669-7_6
Jacob Jose
Manager – Business Development
PDS Organic Spices
(A unit of Peermade Development Society)
Kuttikkanam, Idukki district, Kerala, India.
Email: marketing@pdsorganicspices.com
