Vanilla (Extension Pamphlet)

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The important vanilla growing countries are Madagascar, Indonesia, Mexico, Comoro and Reunion. Indonesia is the largest producer of vanilla in the world. Vanilla is a native of Mexico and was introduced to India as early as 1835. The estimated area under vanilla in India is about 2,545 hectares with a production of 92 tonnes (2002-03). Karnataka has the largest area under vanilla in the country.

There are three important cultivated species of vanilla namely, Vanilla planifolia (Mexican vanilla), V. pompona (West Indian vanilla), and V. tahitensis (Tahitian vanilla). V. planifolia is predominantly cultivated for production of vanillin. V. tahitensis and V. pompona also yield vanillin, but of inferior quality.

Vanilla is adapted to a wide range of soils rich in humus and having good drainage. Clayey soils and water logged areas are not suitable for the plant. It thrives well in humid tropical climate with an annual rainfall of 200-300 cm from sea level to 1500 m above sea level. A warm humid climate with temperature ranging from 21 to 32°C is ideal The rainfall should be well distributed for a period of 9 months and there should be a dry period of 3 months for flowering. In India, parts of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, north eastern region and Andaman and Nicobar islands are suitable for vanilla cultivation.

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