Increase in demand and supply brings activity to the cardamom trade
03-Nov-2025 07:07 PM
Increase in demand and supply brings activity to the cardamom trade
Idukki: The cardamom market has become lively as both demand and supply have increased. On one hand, with the vigorous harvesting of the new crop underway, small (green) cardamom has started arriving in good quantities at auction centers. On the other hand, strong demand is also being seen, resulting in increased market activity. In Idukki, Kerala’s main cardamom-producing region, harvesting and preparations are in full swing.
According to producers, although intermittent and uncertain rainfall between May and October 2025 caused some damage to the cardamom crop and raised concerns of a 15–20 percent decline in production, an increase in cultivated area and better crop management have helped maintain normal conditions. As a result, large quantities of new stock are arriving at auction centers.
According to a leading analysis, based on the current condition of the crop, total small cardamom production in the 2025–26 season may rise to between 32,000 and 34,000 tonnes. The southwest monsoon has now withdrawn from the country, and the northeast monsoon has become active, which is expected to continue until the end of September. This is likely to benefit the final phase of harvesting. Afterward, spring rains may influence price fluctuations, although in the near term, a sharp fall in prices is unlikely.
Meanwhile, in the Central American country of Guatemala, severe damage caused by various natural disasters has significantly reduced small cardamom production, which is expected to fall to around 16,000 tonnes—less than half of the normal average of 40,000–45,000 tonnes. Last year, Guatemala faced a severe drought, and this year, powerful cyclones and dust storms have also taken a toll, giving plantations little time to recover.
If these estimates prove correct, India may once again become the world’s largest producer of cardamom for the first time since 1981–82. With global prices expected to remain strong, India stands to gain considerable benefit from this situation.हो सकता है।