No further rise in prices of big cardamom expected

20-Jun-2025 07:11 PM

New Delhi. Knowledgeable sources say that due to unfavourable weather, the production of big cardamom is declining not only in the country but also in Nepal for the last two years. It is worth mentioning that in the last season, the production of big cardamom was estimated to be only 50/60 percent, whereas the crop which starts in the month of August-September is expected to be 70/75 percent this year. However, the crop has suffered sporadic damage due to the rains in the producing states in the past few days. Which happens every year. Sources believe that if the weather remains favourable for the crop in the coming days, then this year the production will be 15/20 percent more than last year. Big cardamom is mainly produced in Sikkim, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh.

Differences in production estimates

On one hand, the business class is assuming a decline in the production of big cardamom in the country for the last two years, while on the other hand, the figures released by the Spices Board are showing higher production. According to the data released by the Spices Board, the production of large cardamom in the year 2022-23 was 9074 tonnes, which has increased to 9288 in the year 2023-24. Whereas during the year 2024-25 (April-March), the production figures have been shown as 9552 tonnes.

Slow-fast

Despite weak stock in the spot and reduced imports from Nepal, the prices of large cardamom have declined by Rs 40/50 per kg during the current month. There is no buying even at the current prices. Sources believe that if the weather remains favorable for the crop, then much increase in prices is not possible. Till the new crop arrives, the prices will continue to move between Rs 20/30 slow and fast. If the crop is damaged due to rain in the coming days, then the prices may increase further. Currently, the price of large cardamom in Delhi market is being quoted at Rs 1500/1530 per kg.

Import reduced

There has been a decline in the import of large cardamom for the last two years. Because due to low production in Nepal, the import has been affected due to high prices. According to the data released by the Spices Board, in the year 2022-23, the import of large cardamom was 9403 tonnes and an income of Rs 48840 lakh was spent on imported goods. Whereas during the year 2023-24, it was 6534 tonnes and Rs 51818 lakh was spent. In the year 2024-25, imports decreased to 4957 tonnes while the expenditure on imported goods increased to Rs 57892 lakh.

Export

During the year 2024-25 (April-March), on the one hand, an increase of 7 percent was registered in quantitative terms, while on the other hand, a spectacular increase of 55 percent was registered in income. According to the data released by the Spices Board, in the year 2023-24, 1280.82 tonnes of large cardamom was exported and the income received from export was Rs 14815 lakh. Whereas in the year 2024-25, the export was 1368.34 lakh tonnes and the income received from export was Rs 22944 lakh.