In May 2019, the State Government made a significant policy change in the agricultural sector by reclassifying ‘Wild Black Pepper’ (Piper longum) as ‘Long Pepper’ and re-designating it, along with Tezpatta (Bay Leaf – Laurus nobilis), as the mandated crops of the Agriculture Department. This move eliminated the ‘minor forest produce’ label, allowing farmers to cultivate and source these crops from defined non-forest lands. Let us explore the reasons behind this decision and the potential opportunities it presents.
The previous classification of Long Pepper as a ‘minor forest product’ had posed challenges. Despite farmers cultivating it on their own lands for decades, it was still considered ‘Wild Black Pepper’ under the purview of the forest department, which collected royalties, affecting the competitiveness of Meghalaya’s produce. The issue had been raised by farmer bodies multiple times, but it was not addressed until a meeting was convened by the Chief Minister. After understanding the legal aspects, it was then decided that both Long Pepper and Bay Leaf, being cultivated by farmers, should no longer be treated as ‘minor forest produce’ and were transferred to the Agriculture Department’s jurisdiction. That is part one of the story. Now that the above two plants have been de-clutched, their cultivation, promotion, branding and marketing would follow as the next steps.
There are about two thousand species of genus Piper found all over the world, of which fifty-two species are found in India. One of the important species of this genus is Long pepper (Piper longum), a spice crop of high medicinal importance both in the traditional and modern medicinal systems. In Ayurveda medicinal system, there are about 135 ayurvedic formulations with Long Pepper as a major ingredient. The main parts of long pepper are the fruits and stems. (In some hilly parts of Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, long pepper is grown for its roots). Long pepper has a pungent pepper-like taste and produces salivation and numbness of the mouth. The fruits are used as a spice in high-end cuisine as also in pickles and preserves. The roots and thicker parts of the stem are cut and dried and used as an important drug (Piplamool or Pippali) in the Ayurvedic and Unani systems. The phytochemistry and the pharmacological profile of Piper longum are well known and widely researched. Long pepper is most commonly used to treat chronic bronchitis, asthma, constipation, gonorrhoea, paralysis of the tongue, diarrhoea, cholera, chronic malaria, viral hepatitis, respiratory infections, stomach-ache, diseases of the spleen, and tumours. The plant has been reported to improve microbial infections, cardiac disease, and protection against the effects of radiation.
Long pepper is a very slender, perennial, and aromatic climber that grows well in shaded areas. Long Pepper grows very well in the southern parts of Meghalaya, in the War area (parts of Jaintia Hills, Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hill districts). Also called Pippali, and grown commercially in Kerala and parts of Bengal, it has a good market and is highly valued for its therapeutic properties. The spikes of long pepper, which are the flowers of the plant, are harvested in January while they are still green, tender, and pungent. The spikes are then dried in the sun till they turn grey. Due to its high market demand, this plant is widely grown by the farmers as an additional crop to main crops like Areca nut, Cinnamomum etc. April-June is the peak production time.
India is a global leader in the Long Pepper trade. Indian share in the global export was 65% in 2021 with a production of about 4.6 lakh metric tonnes There are no reliable estimates as to how much is the annual production of Long Pepper in Meghalaya. However, some wholesalers report that our annual production is approximately 150 metric tons.
The Commission has started encouraging commercial cultivation in the state by making available excellent quality planting material to the farmers. Our preliminary scouting revealed that except for a variety (a selection from the wild) by the name Vishwam, developed by the Kerala Agriculture University (KAU) no other variety is widely known. So, we obtained about one hundred cuttings from KAU, Thrissur and started multiplying at our research farm at Umsning. Be that as it may, the Research Wing of the Directorate of Agriculture also has been given a target of 1.2 lakh long pepper saplings (local variety) to be raised by 12 identified farmer-owned nurseries in four selected Blocks i.e.., Mawkyrwat, Mawsynram, Pynursla and Shella Bholaganj, Even granting a small percentage of mortality I estimate that we should be able to make at least 1.00 lakh saplings available to the farmers by August, 2023. (In addition to the 3200 saplings already made available to the farmers last year). That would be a significant step forward. Our target is to cover at least one hundred acres this year and to keep expanding the area under Long Pepper till we reach at least ten thousand acres. That is when we will start counting in the global scenario. It may take anything up to a decade for that to happen, but the process has been kick-started. Much will depend upon the farmers, the technical officers, and the continued funding support.
The economics is very favourable to the farmers because the plant is not a very demanding one and is highly adapted to the local conditions. With the current prices ranging between Rs. 800 to 1200/- per Kg. depending upon the global market conditions. A production of 1000 M.T should give at least a 100-crore income every year to the farmers. We will need to master micro propagation methods and train the farmers, we have to help the farmers in the coordination, marketing, and price stabilization.
In conclusion, the transformation of ‘Wild Black Pepper’ into ‘Long Pepper’ marks the dawn of a new era for agriculture in Meghalaya. This transition presents an excellent opportunity to leverage the inherent potential of Long Pepper and elevate it to global prominence. Meghalaya can emerge as a leading producer and exporter of Long Pepper as the world becomes increasingly conscious of the need for sustainable and nature-based spice products. With diligent efforts, technical expertise, and market demand, Meghalaya’s Long Pepper could become a choice product also because of its organic nature, The journey may take time, but the foundation has been laid, and the horizon awaits its moment of splendour. As of now, globally it is a $ 1.5 Billion industry. There are no serious competitors for us and we should continue to dominate this narrative. Who wants to spice it up?
