Lease a Cardamom Acre in Idukki, Kerala

The minimum holding is 1 acre (43,560 sq ft). Additional acres can be added in whole-acre increments. Each parcel is GPS-mapped, documented by survey number, and named in your lease deed. Erthiq currently operates 30+ acres in Udumbanchola, Idukki at 800–1200m elevation, with approximately 420 mature cardamom plants per acre.

The initial term is 5 years, renewable in 5-year blocks. The lease deed is governed by Kerala state land law and Indian contract law, and documents your named parcel with GPS boundary coordinates, plant inventory (~420+ cardamom plants per acre, 8+ years old), and Erthiq's management obligations. The refundable lease deposit is returned in full at the end of tenure.

Erthiq handles the full cardamom production cycle: fertilisation, irrigation, pest and disease control (including Phytophthora / Azhukal management per ICAR-IIHR protocols), pruning, drenching, mulching, shade canopy maintenance, harvesting (6 cycles July–February), curing, drying, and lot preparation. Final stage: lots are sold at Spices Board of India regulated auctions in Bodinayakkanur and Vandanmedu. You receive digital seasonal crop reports throughout the tenure.

Erthiq Care is mandatory end-to-end management at ₹4,50,000 per acre per year, paid separately before each year begins (renewed annually). It covers fertilisers and crop protection, daily labour with transport and food, drenching, mulching, shade tree maintenance, all seasonal cultivation activities, a dedicated estate manager, equipment with fuel, and auction handling. Because Erthiq owns and operates the estate, we have direct incentive to maintain land quality throughout your tenure — protecting both your harvest and our estate.

NRIs can hold an Acre Lease subject to FEMA compliance — acquisition of agricultural land by NRIs is restricted under FEMA Section 6, but lease arrangements are reviewed case by case. Independent legal advice is mandatory before signing. Lease-linked income is repatriable through NRO/NRE channels subject to applicable TDS. The lease deed is registered in Kerala state under Indian contract law.

Join the waitlist with your name and phone. Erthiq contacts you within 48 hours to walk through parcel availability, share the draft lease deed, and answer specific compliance questions. After site visit and signing, the lease deposit is paid and Erthiq Care for year 1 is invoiced separately. Your acre is GPS-mapped, named, and added to the production cycle within 30 days. Spices Board auction settlement typically credits within 30 days of each harvest cycle.