Vol. 12, Special Issue 8 (2023)

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), is a major spice crop of the world. Annual production of black pepper in the worldduring 2020 is 6.21 lakh tons from an area of 6.09 lakh hectares. India occupies maximum area (42.55%) under black pepper with a production share of 16.76%. Maximum share of global production is by Vietnam (40.44%) followed by India (16.76%) Indonesia and Brazil (12.56% each). Highest productivity of black pepper during 2020 was recorded by Brazil (2801 kg/ha) followed by Vietnam (2210 kg/ha) and Malaysia (1376 kg/ha). The productivity of India was only 402 kg/ha during 2020. Karnataka followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the major pepper growing and producing states in India. Average productivity of black pepper was highest in Tamil Nadu. Compound growth rate analysis indicated that In Kerala, the rate of area increase for pepper decreased. Among the districts of Kerala, Idukki has the most acreage, production and productivity of black pepper. In terms of both quantity and value, the USA is our top export destination, followed by UK. Overall exports of pepper during 2021-22 is 21882 kg with a value of Rs. 21882 lakhs. The presence of aged plants, as well as improper management and care and harvesting difficulties are the major reasons for the decrease in area and production. Coordinated efforts for planting new, high-yielding vines in place of the old ones and training the farmers on proper management of the vines will aid in restoring black pepper production and income.