Pepper

Pepper, indigenous to India and a member of Piperacees family, -piper nigrum-, is a vine that grows with the aid of a support, tree or fence,. It is cultivated for its small grains and used as a spice. Three kinds of pepper are produced from the pepperplant : black, white and green, achieved through different forms of preparation.

• Green Pepper : The four month old green grains are harvested and sold fresh in the host country but must be processed for exportation. Green pepper may be frozen, vacuum-packed or canned with vinigar or brine.
• White Pepper : White pepper is produced from grains that have been grown to maturity. The grains are blacnhed and the outer skin removed. After slight fermentation, the grains are dried.
• Black Pepper: Black Pepper is harvested just before maturity while still green. The skin is not removed, and while drying, and species of mushrooms invades the grain and turns it black

Pepper is also used in the manufacturing of certain medicines, perfumes, insecticides, the presentation of furs and woolen fabriques.

Most popular varietes include :

• - Type Lampong or Kawur : large leaves, small grains
• - Type Muntok or Bangka : small leaves, large grains

In Madagascar, two hybrid varieties (IV-1 and IV-38) produce up to 350kg/ha. Pepper is cultivated in the region of SAVA as well as throughout eastern Madagascar.

The seasons for exportation is between september and december