A High-Yielding Black Pepper Variety Developed in a Non-Traditional Agro-Ecological Region

MDBP-16 (Maa Danteshwari Black Pepper-16)

Rajaram Tripathi

Farmer-scientist and developer of MDBP-16

Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farm, Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is traditionally cultivated in the humid tropics of southern India. This paper documents the scientific development of MDBP-16 (Maa Danteshwari Black Pepper-16), a high-yielding black pepper variety evolved in the non-traditional agro-ecological conditions of the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The variety was developed through long-term, systematic, farmer-led scientific selection under organic management, focusing on adaptability, yield stability and quality. MDBP-16 has demonstrated consistently high productivity, good quality parameters and wide adaptability under farmer conditions and has been registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act,

Government of India.

Development of a Farmer-Led Black Pepper Variety in a Non-Traditional Regio_20251214_17595.

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Introduction

Black pepper is one of India’s most important spice crops and a major source of farm income in southern India, particularly in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where rich genetic resources and institutional research support exist. In contrast, central Indian regions such as Chhattisgarh were historically considered unsuitable for black pepper cultivation due to differences in climate, rainfall pattern and temperature regime.

In the early 1990s, attempts to cultivate black pepper in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh were widely regarded as impractical. The present work was initiated to scientifically examine the adaptability of black pepper under these conditions and to develop a plant type capable of sustained growth, yield and quality in a non-traditional environment.

Materials and Methods

Black pepper planting material comprising multiple plants and types was initially established under field conditions at Kondagaon district, Chhattisgarh. Cultivation was carried out under completely organic management, without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, since 1996.

Over successive years, pepper vines were systematically observed, compared and evaluated under local climatic conditions. Observations focused on vine vigour, bearing behaviour, yield stability across seasons, spike characteristics and quality attributes. Plants exhibiting poor adaptability, irregular bearing or inferior productivity were progressively eliminated.

Selection criteria emphasised long-term field performance, consistency of yield over years, suitability to organic management, and compatibility with the local agro-ecological environment rather than short-term yield expression.

An agroforestry-based microclimate was developed using Australian teak (Casuarina spp.) as standard trees. This system provided partial shade, organic biomass through leaf litter, moisture conservation and improvement of soil environment, contributing to sustained vine performance.

A single selection that consistently exhibited superior performance over multiple years was retained and stabilised through vegetative propagation. This stable and distinct selection was designated as MDBP-16 (Maa Danteshwari Black Pepper-16).

Observations and Performance

MDBP-16 exhibited vigorous vine growth and regular bearing under Bastar conditions. Under favourable management, mature vines yielded approximately 8–10 kg of dry pepper per vine, substantially higher than commonly reported national averages.

Quality assessment of dried berries indicated high piperine content, reported to exceed 16 per cent, confirming suitability for spice and medicinal markets. The variety performed well under organic cultivation and maintained yield consistency across successive years, indicating stability.

Adaptability and Spread

Following sustained on-farm performance, MDBP-16 planting material was adopted by farmers across multiple agro-ecological regions of India. The variety is currently reported to be under cultivation in approximately sixteen states, covering both traditional and non-traditional pepper-growing areas.

Scientists from ICAR and the ICAR–Indian Institute of Spices Research observed the performance of MDBP-16 over multiple seasons. A descriptive account of black pepper cultivation in the Bastar region was published in Spice India journal in 2023.

Registration and Recognition

MDBP-16 was submitted for registration following sustained field performance and evaluation. The variety has been registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, with certification issued in 2024.

Conclusion

The development of MDBP-16 demonstrates that scientific varietal development is possible through farmer-led, field-based selection and stabilisation, even in non-traditional agro-ecological regions. Long-term experimentation, systematic evaluation and ecological understanding enabled the successful development of a stable, high-yielding black pepper variety. The work reinforces the role of farmers as legitimate contributors to agricultural science and crop improvement.

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Journal of Farmers’ Research

Karshaka Vidyapeedam

December 2025