Varieties


Varieties
    There are mainly 6 varieties of large cardamom. In addition, there are several sub-varieties or strains which are named in the local dialects of Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. These varieties are Bebo, Bharlangy, Golsey, Ram/a, Ramsey and Swaney. Among these, three popular cultivars grown in Sikkim are Ramsey, Sawney and Golsey. Other cultivars are derivatives of these varieties. These cultivars are white Ram/a, Chivey Ramsey, Garday Seto Ramnag, Madhusay (Madhusai), Seto Golsey, Slant Golsey, Red Sawney and Mingney. The same cultivar is called by different names in different localities, as variations in growing conditions cause changes in plant colour, whereas, harvesting at different stages of fruit development changes the fruit- skin colour.
    The characters of the three major cultivars are
    Ramsey or Ramsmey
    • It is a Bhutia word which means yellow colour (ram—colour, shai or sey-yellow).
    • Plants of this cultivar are tall (approx. 2.5 m) having many shoots (10-15) with thin and long leaves.
    • The fruits are the smallest in size and are of inferior quality.
    • The cultivar is grown mostly on higher altitudes (around 1,500 m and above).
    • In lower altitudes, the plants are severely affected by the Forkey virus disease.
    Sawaney or Sawney
    • This is a Nepali word which means that the cultivar is harvested in sawan, i.e., August.
    • The plants are tall (approx, 2.5m) but the leaves are wider and shorter compared to those of Ramshai.
    • The fruits are bold in size and brown in colour.
    • This cultivar is very popular in the lower altitudes (below 1,500 m) as it is comparatively less susceptible to the Forkey virus disease.
    Golshai or Golsey
    • This is a derivative of the word golraund in Hindi and shai or sey¬yellow (Bhutia), indicating the round shape and yellow colour of the fruits.
    • The plants are short with fewer shoots (5-6). The leaves are comparatively short and broad.
    • The fruits are big and bold and are sold at premium prices because of their good appearance.
    • The salient features of different cultivars, studied at the ICAR Complex for NEH Region and Sikkim are given in the table below.

Last modified: Friday, 9 March 2012, 12:03 PM