Improvement in small cardamom prices but not much increase

05-Jun-2025 07:05 PM

New Delhi. For the past few weeks, small cardamom prices have been showing an upward trend in auctions held at production center mandis. Over the last week, the average price at auction centers has increased by Rs 100–150 per kg. However, due to adequate stock at consumption centers, the prices remain stable at previous levels. According to informed sources, as most of the stock at consumption centers is being cleared, prices in Delhi and other mandis are expected to rise next week. With the season coming to an end, arrivals are low and the quality of incoming goods is also declining.

Production estimate

According to sources, recent rainfall has caused sporadic damage in some production areas, but the current weather conditions remain favorable for the crop. As a result, a larger new crop is expected to start arriving in July compared to last year. Last year, due to adverse weather conditions, cardamom production declined both in India and in Guatemala. During the current season, India’s cardamom production was estimated at 22,000–24,000 tonnes, while Guatemala produced around 18,000–20,000 tonnes. Guatemala's new crop usually arrives in November–December, while India’s comes in July–August. If weather conditions remain favorable, this year’s cardamom production in India could reach 28,000–30,000 tonnes.

Slow rise

Industry experts expect cardamom prices to stay firm for now. Given the current scenario, prices may rise by another Rs 75–100 during the ongoing month. However, with the arrival of the new crop in July, prices are likely to soften—assuming weather conditions remain supportive. At present, the price of small cardamom in the Delhi market is between Rs 2,350 and Rs 3,150 per kg, depending on quality, while the average auction center price is around Rs 2,400–2,440 per kg.

Increase in exports

During the current season, reduced production in both India and Guatemala has contributed to a rise in Indian cardamom exports. According to Spices Board data, between April 2024 and February 2025, India exported 5,963.82 tonnes of small cardamom, earning Rs 134,714 lakh. In comparison, during the same period of 2023–24, exports stood at 5,280 tonnes with earnings of Rs 84,978 lakh. While the export quantity increased by 13 percent, revenue from exports rose by 59 percent.