Sigandhini indigenous landrace of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.): The resilient savior of India's spice heritage

Introduction

India, often heralded as the "Spice Bowl of the World," boasts a profound historical tapestry woven with the cultivation and trade of exotic spices. Among the myriad treasures that have captivated nations and driven exploration, black pepper stands tall as the undisputed "King of Spices." The allure of these aromatic wonders beckoned the British to India, shaping the course of history and establishing the nation as a global spice powerhouse. For centuries, the Western Ghats region has stood as a bastion of black pepper cultivation, nurturing the growth of varieties that have become synonymous with India's spice legacy (Ashoka et al., 2023) [3] . Following the introduction of Panniyur-1 in 1966-67, a hybrid derived from Uthirankotta and Cheriyakaniakkadan developed by Kerala Agricultural University at Panniyur (Kerala), farmers widely embraced this high-yielding hybrid. Unfortunately, this extensive adoption inadvertently led to the disappearance of numerous locally diverse cultivars from various regions in Karnataka. The widespread cultivation of a single variety heightened the susceptibility to epidemics (Naik et al., 2013) [7] ; increased risks associated with pest and disease outbreaks, and posed threats of entire crop loss due to various stresses such as drought, flood, and heavy rainfall. Amidst this scenario, some black pepper growers demonstrated heightened awareness in conserving and promoting local and traditional varieties, resulting in the preservation of several hundred valuable cultivars. Notable examples include Ademane, Keregadde Mallisara, Kurimale, Boppanalli Chomala, Basari Balli, Somali, among others. Among these preserved cultivars is Sigandhini, standing as a testament to the efforts aimed at safeguarding the diversity of black pepper varieties (Shankarprasad et al., 2021) [9] . Yet, as with any saga of agriculture, the narrative of black pepper cultivation is not immune to the evolving dynamics of climate and other factors. The prevailing champion, Panniyur-1, grapples with a formidable adversary-quick wilt disease (Lydia and Gangadhara, 2017; Shivakumar et al., 2022) [10] . This formidable foe has cast a shadow over the once-thriving yields, ushering in an era of reduced productivity and escalating prices. To address the challenge, nowadays, farmers are opting for costlier plants that have been grafted with Brazilian pepper (Mohan, 2018) [6] . In the face of this agricultural crisis, a beacon of hope emerges from the quaint Siddapura Taluk in Uttara Kannada, where a visionary farmer, Mr. Ramakantha Hegde, and his ancestors have diligently conserved an age-old black pepper variety named Sigandhini. Sigandhini, renowned for its resilience against wilt diseases and distinguished by its high bulk seed density, embodies a legacy that transcends generations. This variety, carefully safeguarded by Mr. Hegde's stewardship, has become a symbol of agricultural heritage and a testament to the intrinsic connection between farmers and their crops. Under the protective canopy of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPVFRA), Mr. Hegde secured "Farmer's Rights" for Sigandhini, bestowing upon him the authority to propagate and distribute its plants across the diverse landscapes of India. The recognition of Mr. Ramakantha Hegde's outstanding contribution to conserving this heritage variety reached its zenith when he was honored with the prestigious Plant Genome Savior Award by the Honourable President of India in 2023. This accolade not only acknowledges the individual efforts but also underscores the collective significance of preserving agricultural biodiversity and traditional wisdom. In the mosaic of India's horticultural narrative, Mr. Hegde's story stands as a shining example of sustainable agricultural practices intertwined with cultural heritage. Today, Sigandhini is experiencing resurgence, gaining popularity not only in its traditional cultivation areas but also in non-traditional regions. Farmers, faced with the dual challenge of climate uncertainties and the need for resilient crop varieties, are increasingly turning to Sigandhini as a steadfast alternative. "In doing so, they not only secure their livelihoods but also contribute to the conservation of India's rich legacy of spices, aligning seamlessly with the testament of 'Vocal for Local' etho of the Government of India (Anonymous, 2023) [1] . To address the burgeoning demand for Sigandhini plants and facilitate its widespread adoption, Mr. Hegde has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the esteemed University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot. This collaboration, rooted in a royalty-sharing basis, ensures the broader availability of Sigandhini plants. As the tendrils of this partnership spread, the adoption of Sigandhini promises to usher in a more resilient future for black pepper cultivation in India. As one can embark on this research journey, delving into the intricacies of Sigandhini and its transformative impact on black pepper cultivation, researcher traverses the realms of agricultural history, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable horticultural practices. The tale of Sigandhini is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation, a narrative that resonates in the very soil of India's spice-laden landscapes. In this context, the study was undertaken with the following aims: 1. To record the advantages of Sigandhini compared to Panniyur-1. 2. To examine farmers' perceptions of the Sigandhini landrace.

3. To identify the limitations associated with the Sigandhini landrace.

Materials and Methods

This study relies on a blend of primary and secondary data obtained from diverse sources. In the year 2023, primary data were gathered from black pepper agripreneurs through a predesigned interview schedule, encompassing aspects such as perceptions, reasons, and limitations related to the Sigandhini landrace, along with other relevant information. Concurrently, secondary data were sourced from various outlets. The choice of Uttara Kannada district for this research was deliberate, given its status as a significant producer of both black pepper varieties within Karnataka's Western Ghats. Notably, this district holds the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPVFRA) for the Sigandhini variety. Employing a snowball sampling technique was deemed appropriate due to the recent adoption of this landrace by a limited number of entrepreneurs. Primary data collection involved interactions with 50 entrepreneurs. The analytical and interpretative aspects of the data were addressed through the application of descriptive statistics. The snowball sampling technique, employed in this study, offers unique merits that align with its specific methodology. This approach is particularly advantageous when investigating niche or emerging phenomena, as it enables the identification and inclusion of participants who may be challenging to reach through traditional sampling methods. In the context of studying the adoption of the Sigandhini landrace by black pepper agripreneurs, the snowball sampling technique proves valuable in capturing insights from a select group of entrepreneurs who have recently embraced this agricultural practice. This method facilitates a deeper exploration of perceptions, reasons, and limitations associated with the Sigandhini landrace, providing a nuanced understanding of the subject within a relatively limited pool of adopters.

Results and Discussion

Sigandhini landraces of Black pepper are locally adapted, traditional variety that has evolved over time through natural selection and farmer-driven selection processes. The merits of a particular landrace would depend on its specific characteristics, adaptability to local conditions, flavour profile, disease resistance, and other agronomic traits.

Perception of plantation owners on Panniyur-I

The perception of Black pepper plantation owners regarding ruling Panniyur-1 and Sigandhini is essential to draw the attention of policy makers and same has been depicted in Fig. 1. Eighty four per cent owners of Panniyur-I plantations expressed the view that the crop has become increasingly vulnerable to quick wilt (foot rot) disease, primarily attributed to the presence of Phytophthora capsici in recent years. This susceptibility is linked to alterations in rainfall patterns, shifts in climate (specifically relative humidity), aeration challenges, and a diminished exposure to sunlight resulting from the adoption of a multi-storeyed high-density cropping system over the past decade. A consensus among Eighty per cent highlighted the elevated cost of plants grafted Panniyur-I with Brazilian pepper (Piper collubrinum). Similarly, a majority (76%) of owners identified the challenge of procuring quinine Panniyur-I plants from private nurseries. Sixty eight per cent agripreneurs conveyed concerns about significant yield reduction (5-10%) caused by the destructive foot rot disease, emphasizing the crop's susceptibility. Additionally, fifty two per cent farmers noted that the bulk density of Panniyur-I (546 g/l) is lower compared to Sigandhini, leading to decreased yields.

Reasons for preferring Sigandhini for cultivation

In response to these challenges, a subset of farmers has transitioned to cultivating Sigandhini Black pepper, characterized as a local landrace. This study also aimed to ascertain the reasons behind the preference for Sigandhini over the predominant Panniyur-I variety (Fig. 2). Nintey four per cent farmers have chosen to cultivate Sigandhini due to its status as a local landrace, marked by its adaptation to the specific regional conditions. This adaptability encompasses the ability to withstand higher rainfall levels and various biotic and abiotic stresses. Notably, the Sigandhini landrace is wellsuited for intercropping with Arecanut, a predominant economic crop in the region, as expressed by ninety per cent farmers. Eighty two per cent proprietors opted for Sigandhini due to its early maturity, facilitating harvest by December each year and allowing ample time for post-harvest handling. Similar findings were also documented by Hussain et al. (2017) [5] . Additionally, eighty per cent farmers cited Sigandhini's resilience against foot rot disease, a significant advantage over the susceptible Panniyur-I. The preference for Sigandhini was further driven by seventy eighty per cent respondents who emphasized its higher yield (10%), attributed to resistance against foot rot, greater bulk density (631 g/l), and longer spike length (14.06 cm) -traits rooted in its genetic characteristics, as noted by 39 farmers. These results are supported by Divya et al. (2023).

Limitations of Sigandhini traditional land-race

Inherent in the natural order, every organism exhibits both advantages and disadvantages. This research endeavour sought to comprehensively document the drawbacks associated with Sigandhini, with the aim of bringing attention to policymakers (Fig. 3). Ninety per cent respondents underscored the nonavailability of Sigandhini plants, a circumstance arising from the exclusive right of propagation vested in Mr. Ramakant Hegde as a result of "Farmer's Right" conferred by PPVFRA, New Delhi. Consequently, no other entities are permitted to propagate and market Sigandhini plants.

The monopoly nature of this seedling business was acknowledged by seventy eight per cent respondents, who noted that Sigandhini plants were marketed at elevated prices. The resulting high cost was attributed to the monopoly prevailing in the sector. Transportation challenges were identified by seventy six respondents, given the need for sophisticated transportation facilities due to the premium pricing of the plants. Moreover, fifty per cent farmers highlighted the seasonal nature of nursery raising or propagation activities, emphasizing that such activities are more prevalent during the summer season for optimal success. Ashoka et al., (2021) [2] documented comparable findings regarding the Sigandhini landrace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research has provided a comprehensive exploration of the cultivation dynamics of Sigandhini Black pepper, shedding light on both its merits and demerits. The advantages, including adaptability to regional conditions, resistance to foot rot, and higher yield, position Sigandhini as a viable alternative for farmers facing challenges with the predominant Panniyur-I variety. However, the study also highlights critical drawbacks, notably the restricted availability of Sigandhini plants due to exclusive propagation rights, resulting in inflated prices and transportation difficulties.

Policy implications arising from these findings are paramount for sustainable agricultural practices. Policymakers should consider revisiting the regulatory framework governing the proprietary rights of landraces, such as Sigandhini, to promote fair access to plants and prevent monopolistic practices.

Addressing the seasonal nature of nursery activities and exploring measures to enhance availability during critical periods, like summer, could contribute to more robust and consistent cultivation practices. Furthermore, initiatives fostering research and development to overcome the identified challenges, such as developing disease-resistant varieties or facilitating broader seedling distribution networks, can significantly benefit the agricultural community. Encouraging diversified cropping systems, particularly intercropping with economically significant crops like Arecanut, may further enhance the overall resilience of agricultural practices in the region. To expedite the propagation and distribution of Sigandhini plants, the Horticulture Department, Government of Karnataka may establish a MOU with Mr. Ramakant Hegde, incorporating a royalty-sharing arrangement. In essence, a thoughtful integration of these policy considerations can pave the way for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient agricultural landscape, ensuring the prosperity of farmers and the longevity of alternative crops like Sigandhini Black pepper.

References

1. Anonymous. Booklet of Ministry of Food Processing and Industries. Government of India; 2023. https://www.mofpi.gov.in/sites/default/files/booklet_mofpi_ pmfme_-_2021_eng.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov 2023.
2. Ashoka N, Shivanand H, Raju R, Harshavardhan M, Venkatesha KT, Vishwanatha S. Comparative study of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) nursery raising in Karnataka: traditional variety Sigandhini versus popular variety Panniyur-I. Curr Sci. 2021;121(9):1201-1207. https://currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/121/09/1201.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov 2023.
3. Ashoka N, Shashidhara N, Pallavi G, Raju R, Patil IG. A comparative study on economics of traditional versus popular variety of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) plantations in Karnataka. Indian J Econ Dev. 2023;19(2):312-319. https://www.soed.in/article/798. Accessed 20 Nov 2023.
4. Bhat DS, Hegde L, Narayanpur V, Hegde NK, Shet RM, Rajashekhara E. Evaluation of farmer's cultivars of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in hill zone (Zone-9) of Karnataka under areca based cropping system. Pharma Innov J. 2023;12(11):2154-2159.
5. Hussain SMD, Hegde L, Goudar SA, Hegde NK, Shantappa T, Gurumurthy SB. Evaluation of local black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) genotypes for yield and quality under arecanut based cropping system. Int J Pure Appl Biosci. 2017;5(5):1396-1400.
6. Mohan Kumar GP. Investigation on production of quality planting material and evaluation of local cultivars in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) under hill zone condition [MSc thesis]. Bagalkot: University of Horticultural Sciences; 2018.
7. Thomas LM, Naik BG. Survey for the incidence of foot rot of black pepper caused by Phytophthora capsici Leonian in Shivamogga and Chickmagaluru districts of Karnataka State. Int J Pure Appl Biosci. 2017;5(1):293-298. http://www.ijpab.com/form/2017%20Volume%205,%20iss ue%201/IJPAB-2017-5-1-293-298.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov 2023.
8. Shankarprasad KS, Kulkarni SN, Hegde L, Harisha CB. Sigandhini: a black pepper variety from Uttara Kannada. Spice India. 2021;34(6):17-19. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354682316. Accessed 20 Nov 2023.
9. Shivakumar KV, Somasekhara YM, Nagaraju N, Ravikumar RL, Rangaswamy KT, Narsegowda NC. Survey for the incidence of foot rot disease of black pepper in Karnataka. Pharma Innov J. 2022;11(9):1386-1390. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2022/vol11issu