A multi-disciplinary team comprising of experts is being set-up to visit the affected areas in Kerala for making further investigation with regard to reports of Acid or Yellow Rain; Initial tests report no Acidity, Fungus or Spores or any Toxic effect in Plants.
Attention of the Government has been drawn to some reports of acid or yellow rain in Moolakkada and Kunjithanni villages of Idukki Districts in Kerala. The matter has been examined by the Scientists of the Indian Cardamom Research Institute (under Spices Board), Ministry of Commerce & Industry to find-out the causes and effects of yellow rain.
According to the initial tests conducted on the material found on the cardamom leaf, there is no acidity, fungus or spores. No harmful physical or toxic effect has been noticed in the plants. The Ministry has also not received report of any such phenomenon in the Northern Region of the country growing large or black cardamom.
Meanwhile, a multi-disciplinary team comprising of experts from Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Indian Council of Agriculture Research and Kerala Agriculture University is being set-up to visit the affected area for further investigation.