Black pepper, also known as the king of spices, is a great source of profit for farmers. In India, especially in southern India, black pepper farming is done on a large scale. But now, after almost 30 years of tireless efforts, Dr. Rajaram Tripathi, a successful farmer from Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh—also known as the Green Warrior, Agricultural Sage, Herbal King, and Father of Safed Musli- has developed an improved black pepper variety, MDBP-16, which can now be easily grown in almost all states of the country. Currently, this variety is being successfully cultivated in about 16 states across India.
The average yield from a single black pepper tree is about 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms, but farmers can get about 8–10 kilograms of black pepper yield from the MDBP-16 variety, which can significantly increase their income. Recently, this unique variety has also been registered by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
Here, the question arises: Why is black pepper farming beneficial for farmers? From where and how can farmers obtain MDBP-16 variety plants? How can farmers market them? To answer these questions, Krishi Jagran conducted a special interview with successful farmer Dr. Rajaram Tripathi.
How many years did it take for you to develop this improved variety of black pepper ‘MDBP-16’? Also, what were the challenges you faced during this time?
Dr. Rajaram Tripathi: It took me 30 years of hard work. Previously, black pepper cultivation was only practiced in South India. Its cultivation was unimaginable in Central India, which includes the state of Chhattisgarh. Therefore, I faced many challenges in the beginning. When I first started planting it, visiting experts said, “Pepper won’t grow in this region.” When the plants began to grow, they said, “There will be vegetative growth, but no fruit.” Then, when the fruit began to appear, they said, “The quality of the black pepper grown in Bastar will be poor.” But when I had its quality tested, I was convinced that nature was supporting us, because the percentage of piperine in our black pepper was found to be over 16 percent. That’s when my enthusiasm grew even more.
Following this, we developed the MDBP-16 black pepper variety, working on the principles of natural methods and climate adaptability. Today, this variety is successfully cultivated in approximately 16 states across the country.
MDBP-16 was named because the variety was submitted for registration after successful testing, production, and results in 2016. Initially, we were unaware of the registration process, so it took some time.
The most significant feature of this variety is that the average yield of black pepper per tree nationwide is 1.5 to 2.5 kg, but with this variety, the average yield per tree is four times higher—approximately 8–10 kg. When this was initially discussed, people did not believe it. To check its authenticity, a team of scientists from ICAR and ICAR-IISR research centers in Karnataka and Kerala visited my farm and observed it. They decided to monitor the production for 2–4 years. They thought, “Who knows, we might see good production for a year or two, and then it might not continue.”
Therefore, they kept a close eye on us but also provided guidance from time to time. Finally, in 2023, three scientists co-wrote an article that was later published in Spice India journal. In it, they wrote “Black Gold – Culture of Bastar Region.” Considering all these factors, the Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Protection Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, registered it at the end of 2024. Recently, we also received a certificate from the Government of India. This is the first black pepper variety that yields approximately 8–10 kg per tree.
However, I believe the biggest contribution to this isn’t mine, but that of the Australian teak trees. These trees not only provide green manure but also shade from the sun, aid in water harvesting, and promote nitrogen fixation. This provides the plant with abundant nitrogen in its roots, leading to a significant improvement in yield and quality.
Secondly, we created a microclimate using Australian teak trees. In other words, we created a Kerala-like environment through plantations. This increased production, and the quality became the best in India. That is why it is easily exported.
For how many years can farmers get yield once they cultivate black pepper?
Dr. Rajaram Tripathi: Black pepper is a perennial vine. Once planted, farmers can harvest it for 50–60 years. Some even say it can produce for up to 100 years. Fruits start appearing in the first or second year, but I always recommend waiting until the third year. Initially, the fruit yield isn’t very abundant, allowing farmers to earn lakhs of rupees gradually. For example, today I’m earning 20.5 lakh rupees annually from one acre, but this didn’t happen overnight, it took a lot of patience.
Pepper vines grow 2–3 feet each year. That’s why I say, first cultivate one acre, then two acres, then three, and then four acres. Here, peppers have grown to a height of 100 feet. In this way, we’ve transformed one acre into 100 acres of potential.
In a country like India, where about 84% of farmers have less than 4 acres of land, methods like vertical farming, aerial farming, or cultivating climbing vines can be extremely beneficial.
People ask, “How can a small farmer grow pepper?” My simple reply is, “Pepper farming is made for small farmers.” The Australian teak trees planted alongside provide wood. One acre of land yields wood worth 2–2.5 crore rupees, whereas black pepper brings additional income each year.
The model of pepper and Australian teak farming covers only 10% of an acre. The remaining area remains vacant, where we cultivate medicinal crops, as they require some shade. Along with this, we also cultivate other intercrops like ginger, turmeric, and white musli. All these crops can be grown very well under this model.
What things should farmers keep in mind while cultivating black pepper?
Dr. Rajaram Tripathi: There are two main things farmers must keep in mind. First, there should be some irrigation. Although we have planted it without irrigation as well, if your goal is to maximize production, some irrigation is beneficial.
Secondly, the 90% vacant area left after pepper cultivation should be properly utilized. This provides a steady income. Furthermore, if farmers weed this vacant area, it takes care of both the pepper and Australian teak and accelerates their growth.
Black pepper is cultivated on rough trees. Therefore, it can be grown on approximately 22 other types of trees, including Australian teak, sal, and mahua. However, these trees will yield the same average yield as the typical yield in India, that is, 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms per tree. Still, this yield is not low. This allows farmers to earn approximately 5 lakh rupees per acre annually, which is no easy task.
If you plant fast-growing trees, like the Australian teak, they remain green for 12 months and produce 6 tons of green manure per acre annually. This means we don't need manure or chemical fertilizers. The green manure made from its leaves is considered the best in the world.
Additionally, the Australian teak tree fixes nitrogen within a radius of 5 meters, so there’s no need to purchase and apply urea during intercropping.
While a polyhouse costs 40 lakh rupees per acre, a greenhouse made from Australian teak performs all the same functions, providing shade, maintaining humidity, producing organic fertilizer, nitrogen fixation, and water harvesting, all for just 2 lakh rupees. That’s why I call it “the poor man’s polyhouse.”
Polyhouse vs. Greenhouse Model
-
Cost: Traditional polyhouses cost around Rs 40 lakh per acre, while our greenhouse model (made from trees) costs only Rs 2 lakh per acre.
-
Providing Shade: Both models protect crops from intense sunlight.
-
Moisture Retention: Both traditional polyhouses and our greenhouse models retain moisture, essential for crop growth.
-
Manure Making: Traditional polyhouses do not produce compost, whereas in our greenhouse model, about 6 tonnes of green manure is produced per year.
-
Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen fixation does not occur in traditional polyhouses, but it occurs in our model, maintaining soil fertility.
-
Water Harvesting: Traditional polyhouses lack water harvesting, while our greenhouse model includes this feature, aiding water conservation.
This innovation has successfully promoted pepper cultivation in tribal areas like Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
Should farmers cultivate black pepper using organic or chemical methods?
Dr. Rajaram Tripathi: We have been cultivating black pepper using completely organic methods, without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides, since 1996. Our improved variety, MDBP-16, was also developed entirely through organic methods. This variety was selected using traditional Indian practices such as the best selection method and principles of environmental and climate compatibility. Even today, we practice pure organic farming.
This is why our black pepper is readily accepted in international markets. When foreign customers test it using modern laboratory equipment, they are pleased to find no chemical residues. Nowadays, black pepper is also used in various medicinal applications, and its demand is increasing day by day. The most special thing about this crop is that no animal harms it. Even goats don’t eat it, and nilgai stay away. If a monkey accidentally eats it, it warns its entire troop not to go there! In this way, pepper cultivation indirectly contributes to the safety of other crops, because these animals stay away from the area.
If a farmer wants to cultivate black pepper, what method should they use? Where can they get the plants? And how can they market them?
Dr. Rajaram Tripathi: I believe that whether you grow rice, wheat, or pepper, you should strive to use as few chemical products as possible. There are many excellent options for composting weeds, vermicomposting, and organic farming methods.
If any farmer wants to cultivate the MDBP-16 variety of black pepper, they can visit the website of Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farm and get information by contacting us.
We have trained groups of tribal women in Bastar to cultivate these saplings. Today, they produce high-quality saplings not only for us but also for farmers across the country. Although these saplings are made to order and take some time to prepare, their quality is exceptional. The women care for these saplings like their own children, ensuring that not a single sapling withers or spoils in the fields.
Our group provides complete help to farmers, from cultivation to marketing. There are no middlemen. Buyers pay directly into the farmer’s account based on their produce. We have a dedicated marketing platform, the Central Herbal Marketing Federation of India (CHMFI). It is not affiliated with any political or private party. It is a transparent and open marketing platform for organic farmers, allowing them to receive the best price for their herbal products without spending a single rupee, whether in Indian or international markets.
This requires only a few simple formalities. There are no fees or commissions. Every process is transparent, the produce sold, the price received, everything is directly accessible to the farmer.
That’s why our organization’s reach is expanding day by day. In 2005, the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, declared our group the largest organic farmers’ group in the country. At that time, we had farmers from 16 states. Today, farmers from 25 states have joined us. Our member farmers are engaged in profitable farming, including spices, medicinal plants, aromatic plants, timber, and other organic crops.
Every farmer cultivates based on his individual capacity and resources, but whether he markets independently or through our group, we provide support in every possible way. As far as black pepper cultivation is concerned, if a farmer wants to plant it, we not only provide the plants but also offer full support—from planting and care to transportation and marketing.
Based on your experience, what message would you like to give to the viewers and readers of Krishi Jagran?
Dr. Rajaram Tripathi: I would like to say that we must move towards innovation and modern methods along with traditional farming. Grow perishable crops only if you have a nearby market for them. Black pepper is a spice that does not spoil for four to five years. Therefore, whenever you cultivate, consider every aspect.
Just as we have an organization, you too should join a trusted farmer group or organization. Farmers don’t lose in the fields; they lose in the market. If farmers want to win in the market, they must form groups and come together.
I’d also like to say that farmers often don’t share the secrets of their success, but I always say—come to our farms, visit our warehouses, see things up close, understand, and experience them. Don’t make decisions based solely on reading or watching videos. Come in person, see and test, and then proceed wisely.
I firmly believe that the coming era is the era of agriculture. The path to success lies through agriculture. The path to India’s progress lies through agriculture, and the path to making India a world leader also lies through agriculture.
