No Price Surge Likely for Small Cardamom Due to High Production
14-Jul-2026 07:42 PM
New Delhi: Small cardamom production in the country during the current season is projected to be higher than last year. Reports indicate that the arrival of new small cardamom has commenced at major producing centers. Notably, this marks the second consecutive year of anticipated growth in domestic production. According to available data, production rose from 24,000–25,000 tonnes in 2024 to 30,000–32,000 tonnes in 2025. If weather conditions remain favorable in the coming days, trade estimates suggest production could reach 38,000–40,000 tonnes this year. While recent rains caused some minor damage, subsequent favorable weather conditions have led to projections of increased yields. Sources believe that while the quality of the first picking might be slightly inferior, subsequent pickings are expected to yield better quality. The small cardamom crop is harvested in five to six rounds (pickings). In India, arrivals span from July to January, whereas the crop arrives in November in Guatemala.
No Price Surge
Experts state that a surge in small cardamom prices is unlikely in the near term. This is because the renewed outbreak of conflict in Middle Eastern countries is expected to impact exports. Additionally, the arrival of new stock is set to begin. Currently, prices in the Delhi market range from ₹2,600 to ₹3,600 per kg, depending on quality; at auctions in producing centers, average quality is quoted at ₹2,750–₹2,800, while top-quality lots are fetching ₹3,600–₹3,750.
Exports
Indian cardamom exports performed well during the 2025–26 period, driven by lower production in Guatemala the previous year. Typically, small cardamom production in Guatemala ranges between 30,000 and 32,000 tonnes; however, due to adverse weather conditions, production last year hovered around 20,000 to 22,000 tonnes. Arrivals of the new small cardamom crop in Guatemala begin in November. According to data released by the Spices Board, the volume of small cardamom exports surged by 124 percent during the 2025-26 fiscal year, while export earnings rose by 134 percent. Reports indicate that during 2025-26 (April–March), small cardamom exports totaled 15,050 tonnes, generating earnings of ₹3,672 crore; in contrast, exports in 2024-25 stood at 6,728 tonnes with earnings of ₹1,566.82 crore. Exports in April 2026 amounted to 1,110.70 tonnes—an 82 percent increase compared to the same period last year, when exports stood at 609.26 tonnes. Export earnings also recorded a 74 percent rise; earnings were ₹144.81 crore in April 2025, compared to ₹251.67 crore in April 2026.