Vanilla farming regains flavour amid price drop

Vanilla farming regains flavour amid price drop

Subject: Agriculture

Section: Crops.

Context: After hitting a record high a few years ago, vanilla prices have started softening and remained flat in the range of $150-200 in the last six months, thanks to rising production in various countries

Concept:

• Vanilla is native of the Atlantic coast from Mexico to Brazil. It is grown on a plantation scale in Java, Mauritius, Madagascar, Tahiti, Seycheles, Zanzibar, Brazil and Jamaica and other islands of the West Indies.
• Madagascagrows 70 to 80 per cent of the world’s crop of Vanilla bean followed by Reunion. U.S.A. is the largest importer.
• This spice was introduced to India as early as 1835. Its commercial cultivation is now restricted to Wynad of Kerala and Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu. Recently, the demand for natural vanilla is on the higher side.
• It is an orchid, belonging to the family Orchidaceae. There are two important species of vanilla viz. planifolia and V. pompana. The former species produces short thick pods whereas the latter one has the largest pods. V. planifotia has opposite, sessile leave of 10 to 23 cm long which are oblong in shape.
• Vanilla requires a warm climate with frequent rains and prefers an annual rainfall of 150-300 cm. Partially uncleared jungle lands are ideal for establishing vanilla plantations.