Growing Black Pepper as an Intercrop

Black pepper is a climbing vine, so it is almost always grown up a living support such as areca palms, silver oak or erythrina. This makes it a natural intercrop that adds income from land you already farm.

Choose a good support

• Areca and silver oak are widely used supports in Kodagu.
• The support should be established and healthy before the vine is trained onto it.
• One rooted cutting is planted at the base of each support tree.

When to plant

Plant rooted cuttings at the beginning of the monsoon, when the soil is moist. Plant on the northern side of the support so the young vine is shaded from the harshest sun.

Planting the cutting

• Dig a small pit about 30 cm from the base of the support.
• Set the rooted cutting so the roots are covered, and firm the soil.
• Tie the growing shoot loosely to the support so it starts to climb.

First-year care

• Keep the base mulched and moist, but never waterlogged. Pepper hates standing water.
• Retie new growth to the support as it climbs.
• Shade and steady moisture in the first year make the biggest difference.

Yield

Vines usually begin bearing from about the third year, building up over the following seasons.

This article is general guidance. For advice specific to your land, consult your local agricultural officer or Krishi Vigyan Kendra.