Domestic Demand for Big Cardamom Likely to Rise During Lagnasara Season

02-May-2025 08:32 PM

Delhi.  After a period of sluggish demand and falling prices, the domestic market for big cardamom (black cardamom) is poised for recovery as the Lagnasara season — marked by weddings and religious festivals — begins. Traders expect this seasonal demand to lift prices in the coming weeks, especially with reduced supplies reported from producing regions.

In the Delhi wholesale market, scissors-cut big cardamom is currently priced at ₹1550–1560 per kg, under pressure from earlier low consumption and availability from previous stock. However, supply is now thinning at key auction centers across Sikkim, Meghalaya, Assam, and West Bengal, which may support a moderate price recovery of ₹25–50 per kg if demand improves as expected in May and June.

Production Shortfall and Export Growth:

• Reports indicate that domestic production has dipped again this season, following last year's weak output.

• Additionally, stock from Nepal and Bhutan — major contributors to the regional supply — is reportedly lower than usual.

• Despite sluggish domestic trade earlier, exports are performing well, with 915 tonnes exported in the first 8 months of FY 2024–25, up from 789 tonnes in the same period last year.

• In the April 24 auction, big cardamom fetched prices ranging from ₹1375 to ₹1707 per kg, highlighting market volatility.

With supply tightening and seasonal demand set to rise, stockists are holding back inventory in anticipation of better prices, suggesting a potential bullish trend in the short term.