Summer rains boost cardamom prospects in South India

17-Apr-2025 12:12 PM

Vandanmedu. Regular pre-monsoon rains in Kerala and Tamil Nadu have revived hopes for a strong small cardamom crop this season.

In Kerala’s Idukki district, a key producing area, the yield had dropped by 50% last year due to dry weather.

However, this year, with three to four rounds of rain already, drought concerns have eased, and production is expected to rise significantly.

As a result, cardamom prices have softened to around ₹2500 per kg. The arrival of new produce is likely to begin in July.

Exporters are anticipating strong demand from Gulf countries for Bakrid, which could bring better earnings.

On the domestic front, demand has slowed post-festivals, and producers are cautiously holding stock, wary of last year’s unexpected drought in May-June.

Though Ramadan sales were lower than expected, exporters remain optimistic that the improved weather and crop conditions will lead to steady market strengthening.