Vanilla Cultivation in Kerala (South India)
Vanilla planifolia is an orchid native to Mexico, now widely grown throughout the tropics. Decreased demand caused by the production of synthetic vanilla (95% of vanilla products), have pushed the international market price down to the $40 per kilo range in the middle of 2005.
The farmers of the South Indian state of Kerala realized the potential of this crop and started cultivating vanilla in the fertile lands of this picturesque state in the last few years. However they are now in a crisis owing to lack of local demand and export policies bringing the cost down to less than $15 per kilo.
The picture shows last years crop, carefully processed and stored in air tight wooden containers to retain the flavour. Contact us for more information.
