Cinnamon Cultivation in India: Best Farming Practices

Table of Contents

• An Overview of Cinnamon Farming in India
• Current Initiatives taken to Promote Cinnamon
• Top Cinnamon Varieties Found in India
• Step-by-Step Cinnamon Cultivation Process
  • Soil & Climate
  • Land Preparation & Planting
  • Manure & Fertilizers
  • Irrigation
  • Pests & Disease Management
  • Harvesting & Post-Harvesting
• Final Thoughts

An Overview of Cinnamon Farming in Indian Overview of Cinnamon Farming in India

Cinnamon, also known as Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), belongs to the Lauraceae family, mainly cultivated for the dried inner bark of the tree. Cinnamomum Verum, also known as true Cinnamon, is very popular in India. This dried spice is not only used in cooking but also has many medicinal benefits. It is also used as a pest repellent. Today, cinnamon cultivation in India is concentrated in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Cinnamon farming is a profitable venture for farmers as it provides a cash crop that can be grown as an intercrop to maximize land use.

Current Initiatives taken to Promote CinnamonCurrent Initiatives taken for Promoting Cinnamon

In March 2025, Dr Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), and Smt R. Karthika Devi, a young entrepreneur from South Andaman, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to start using a user-friendly cinnamon bark rubbing tool that saves time and energy. This tool benefits existing cinnamon cultivators in coastal and island states, as well as regions where cinnamon cultivation is expanding.

Top Cinnamon Varieties Found in India

Here are some of the different varieties of Cinnamon – the medicinal plant:

Step-by-Step Cinnamon Cultivation Process

Cinnamon cultivation involves several steps such as soil & climate requirements, land preparation, manure & fertilizer application, etc. Let’s understand each step in detail:

Soil & Climate

Cinnamon is adaptable to a wide range of soils and climatic conditions. It requires a warm and humid climate, with well-distributed annual rainfall of around 2000 – 2500 mm, and an average temperature of 27°C. It grows best at low altitudes and is usually grown without shade. Well-drained, fine, sandy, and lateritic gravelly soils are highly recommended for optimum plant growth. Cinnamon is also considered susceptible to soil salinity.

Land Preparation & Planting

Before planting, ensure that the area for cinnamon cultivation is cleared. Start land preparation by digging pits of 50 X 50 X 50 cm, at a 3 X 3 m spacing and filling them with compost and topsoil. Planting should be done between the months of June-July, during the onset of monsoon season for irrigation purposes. In each pit, 5 seedlings should be planted. Partial shade in the initial years is advantageous for healthy and rapid growth of plants.

Manure & Fertilizers

Weeding needs to be carried out twice annually: once during June–July and again in October–November. In the first year after planting, each seedling should receive a fertilizer dose of 20 grams of nitrogen (N), 18 grams of phosphorus (P₂O₅), and 25 grams of potassium (K₂O). As the plants mature, the fertilizer dosage is to be increased gradually, reaching up to 200 grams of nitrogen, 18 grams of phosphorus, and 200 grams of potassium for plants that are ten years old or older.

Irrigation

For watering the cinnamon tree, the soil should be lightly soaked. Do not water again until the top 2 inches of soil is dry. Depending on light conditions, location, and foliage, irrigation may be required weekly or daily. However, daily irrigation should be avoided for mature cinnamon.

Pests & Disease Management

Harvesting & Post-Harvesting

Harvesting of cinnamon in India typically begins three to four years after planting, once the stems reach an ideal size and bark develops its brown colour and aroma. Farmers commonly harvest cinnamon twice a year, after the rainy season. Cinnamon plants are coppiced, meaning the main stem is cut 12 cm close to the ground. Stems that are about 1.0 - 1.25 meters long and finger thick are selected for bark extraction. Special knives are used to scrape off the outer bark. Afterwards, the inner bark is peeled off in thin strips, which naturally curl into quills. The inner bark is then dried in the sun for several days. This is done to reduce the moisture content and retain essential oil and aroma. Some of the bark may be grounded into powder or used for oil-extraction.

Final Thoughts

India's cinnamon industry is growing steadily due to the increasing demand for this popular spice in both domestic and global markets. A sizable portion of India's cinnamon production comes from southern states - Kerala and Karnataka mainly because of the conducive weather conditions. Due to the rising demand for high quality, organic spices, cinnamon cultivation is becoming a promising venture for both small and large farmers. You can read more blogs on Tractorkarvan on best cultivation practices of other spices such as - Turmeric cultivation or Cardamom cultivation.