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EXCHANGE OF INDIA LIMITED
Report on Cardamom
4th Floor H. K. House,
B/h Jivabhai Chambers, Ashram Road,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380 009 INDIA
Phone: 91‐79‐4008 6039 Fax: 91‐79‐4008‐6040
Email: contact@nmce.com URL: www.nmce.com
Cardmom
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
Growing Areas................................................................................................................. 3
Varieties and Grades of Cardamom ............................................................................ 5
Harvesting Period ........................................................................................................... 6
Uses of Cardamom.......................................................................................................... 6
Area, Yield and Production Trend............................................................................... 7
Domestic Consumption of Cardamom ....................................................................... 9
Export................................................................................................................................. 9
Domestic Market scenario of Cardamom................................................................. 11
Distribution Channel of Cardamom market ........................................................... 12
World Scenario .............................................................................................................. 13
Cardamom Price Trend ................................................................................................ 14
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Introduction
Cardamom is the Queen of Spices. It is one of the most exotic and highly prized
spices; Indian cardamom has a history as old as human civilization. Southern
India and Sri Lanka are regarded as origin of this spice. Till recently India was
the main Producer and exporter of this commodity, but of late Guatemala has
emerged as a keen competitor to Indian cardamom in the international spice
market. Indian cardamom is slightly smaller, but more aromatic. As a whole,
cardamom is cultivated commercially in India, Sri Lanka, Guatemala and
Tanzania.
Cardamom is often named as the third most expensive spice in the world (after
saffron and vanilla), and the high price reflects the high reputation of this most
pleasantly scented spice.
Cardamom is grown commercially in plantations under the shade of tall forest
trees. It is a very labor‐intensive crop to produce. The fruits are picked
individually by hand before they are fully ripe, over a period of several months.
Growing Areas
In India, the natural habitat of small cardamom is the evergreen forest of
Western‐Ghats on the Malabar Coast of South‐West India. This area is
commonly known as the Cardamom Hills.
State wise area and Production of Cardamom (small) in India
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Area in hectares, Production in MT
States 2002‐03 2003‐04 2004‐05 2005‐06
Area Prodn Area Prodn Area Prodn Area Prodn.
. . .
Kerala 41412 8680 41332 8875 41378 8616 41367 9765
Karnataka 26644 2310 26838 1740 27094 1879 27173 1775
Tamil 5069 930 5067 965 5253 920 5255 1000
Nadu
Total 73125 11920 73237 11580 73725 11415 73795 12540
Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu occupy about 57%, 36% and 7% of
cardamom cultivable area in India.
Kerala is the highest cardamom producing area in India. In Kerala the major
cardamom growing zones are (a) Udumbanchola taluka (b) Peeremedu taluka and (c)
Devikulam taluka.
Karnataka is one of the main areas where cardamom cultivation is seen. In
Karnataka, Shimoga district is one of the main areas where cardamom cultivation can be
found. Koppa, Sringeri, NR Pura, Siddapur, Yellpur, Joida, Sagar, Thirthahalli
and Hosanegare are the main areas in the district where large‐scale cardamom
cultivation can be seen. In Shimoga, approximately 5850 hectares of area is under
cardamom cultivation. Of these, yielding area of cardamom comes only 4310
hectares.
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Varieties and Grades of Cardamom
1. Bold: It is popular export grade; 90% and above capsules will be having
6.5mm and above diameter, matured and Greenish color. Lt. Wt. will be 415 gms.
2. Super Bold: It is a very special variety. All capsules will be matured greenish
and having above 8 mm diameter size. Lt. Wt. will be more than 450 gm.
3. Extra Bold: Best in the Export market. All capsules will be matured, greenish
and having 7 mm and above diameter. Lt. Wt. will be 435 gm.
4. Bulk: This is the grade of cardamom produced as it is. This grade will contain
all size, matured and immature capsules, black, yellow and splited cardamom.
This is to be graded.
5. Small: Small size cardamom having size between 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm.
Cleaned and removed dust, husk and black capsules. Lt. Wt. will be around 385
gms.
6. Open / Splits: More than 60% capsules will be in open condition and the
color may be partly greenish/pale yellow. All capsules will be matured and the
size are 6.5mm and above
7. Seeds: Black / Brown colour seeds are the original content in every cardamom
capsule. The husks were fully removed. Lt. Wt may be around 550 gm to 600 gm.
8. Fruit : Fruits are generally over matured capsules with slight yellowish in
color and Lt. Wt. over 425 gm
Standard Export Grades:‐
AGEB Alleppey Green Extra Bold Size 7mm above wt/lt 435 gms.
AGB Alleppey Green Bold Size 6mm above wt/lt 415gms
AGS Alleppey Green Superior Size 5mm above wt/lt 385 gms
AGS‐1 Alleppey Green Shipment Green‐1 Size 4mm above wt/lt 350gms
AGS‐2 Alleppey Green Shipment Green‐2 Size 4mm above wt/lt 320gms
Internationally accepted and most commercially imported varieties of
Cardamom are Malabar Cardamom, Sri Lankan Cardamom and Cambodian
Cardamom.
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Harvesting Period
Cardamom plants normally start bearing two years after planting. Throughout
the cropping season of cardamom, i.e. from August to March approximately 6
picking is done in each 45 days interval. In most of the areas the peak period of
harvest is during October‐November. Ripe capsules are harvested in order to get
maximum green colour during curing.
The output of cardamom is greatly influenced by climatic conditions. The
cardamom plant requires a continuous spell of rain interspersed with periods of
good sunshine. The plant is very susceptible to attack by pests and diseases.
Besides, the cardamom growing tracts in the country are facing severe ecological
degradation over the past two decades due to diminishing forest cover, leaving
the region open to devastation by floods and droughts. Cardamom requires
tropical forest conditions for growth and a lack of such areas makes very few
states in the country suitable for its plantation.
Uses of Cardamom
Cardamom is a widely used spice. It encompasses variety of uses.
Cardamom is used in adding flavors in both foods and drinks.
Cardamom is used as cooking spice.
Cardamom is therapeutic in nature, broadly used to treat infections in teeth
and gums, digestive disorders, throat troubles, skin conditions etc.
Oil of cardamom is used in processed foods, tonics, liquor and perfumes.
In South Asia, green cardamom is largely included in traditional Indian sweets
and in the making of tea.
In Arabia, Cardamom is used in the preparation of ʹgahwaʹ‐ a strong cardamom
coffee, which shows hospitality among Arabs.
In Northern Europe, cardamom is an essential ingredient in sweet foods.
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Area, Yield and Production Trend
Area ‐ ʹ000 Production ‐ ʹ000 Yield ‐
Year Hectares Tonnes Kg/Hectare
1997‐98 94.3 11.7 124
1998‐99 85.0 9.0 106
1999‐00 84.8 10.7 126
2000‐01 92.4 14.5 157
2001‐02 91.6 15.2 166
2002‐03 88.5 15.4 174
2003‐04 95.6 16.7 175
2004‐05 95.2 16.9 178
2005‐06 95.8 17.8 186
2006‐07 98.2 15.7 160
(Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics)
20
17.8
18 16.7 16.9
15.4 15.7
16 15.2
14.5
14
11.7
'000 Tonnes
12 10.7
10 9.0
8
0
1997- 1998- 1999- 2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2005- 2006-
98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07
(Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics)
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190
178 186
180 174 175
170
Yield (Kg/Hectare)
166
160 160
157
150
140
130
124 126
120
110
106
100
1997- 1998- 1999- 2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2005- 2006-
98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07
(Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics)
Area under Cardamom cultivation was around 94.3 thousand hectares in 1997‐
98. This reduced to 84.8 thousand hectares in 1999‐2000. It increased to 95.6
thousand hectares in 2003‐04 and was 98.2 thousand hectares in 2006‐07.
Though the area under cultivation has remained almost stable, the production
has increased because the productivity of cardamom has improved a lot in the
domestic front i.e. from the low level of 106 Kg/Hectare yield in 1998‐99 to 186
Kg/Hectare in 2005‐06.
Though this data is average yield, some of the plantations produce 1000‐1500 Kg
per hectare regularly. The yield in the recent years, however, has started
increasing albeit slowly with increase in use of better planting materials by
innovative cardamom growers and installation of drip irrigation systems.
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Domestic Consumption of Cardamom
At present, India is the second largest consumer of small cardamom in the world after
Saudi Arabia. Global consumption of Cardamom is estimated as 15000 Tonnes to
24000 Tonnes. On the other hand the current domestic demand for small
cardamom has been estimated at 11000 MT.
The retail market size in South India is estimated at around 30% for small
cardamom. The share is the highest in West India (45%) followed by the North
India (35%) and lowest in East. Industrial consumption of cardamom particularly
by the pharmaceutical / Ayurveda and cosmetics is the highest and accounts for
over 45% of the total consumption. A clear regional disparity is visualized in
cardamom consumption pattern. Though the urban areas contribute large share
of its consumption, in recent years rural market is also gaining importance and
growing at a very high rate than the urban market. Household uses of this spice
are very limited mainly due to the high price, but seasonal buying has been
increased.
Export
India exported 1705 MT during 1970‐71 which has increased to 3272 MT during
1985‐86. But thereafter the cardamom export declined considerably and it
reached a rock bottom level of 173 MT during 173 MT during 1989‐90. However
the present export is in the range of 650‐750 MT.
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Historical Export Trend
3272
3500
2876
2763
3000
2636
2383
2345
2325
2500
2147
1941
Export in MT
1813
1705
2000
1626
1590
1545
1503
1451
1447
1384
1291
1500
1149
1134
1032
1031
893
863
787
1000
690
682
676
650
620
544
527
500
476
400
387
370
270
500
258
257
226
190
0 173
2006-07(E)
1964-65
1966-67
1968-69
1970-71
1972-73
1974-75
1976-77
1978-79
1980-81
1982-83
1984-85
1986-87
1988-89
1990-91
1992-93
1994-95
1996-97
1998-99
2000-01
2002-03
2004-05
The major reason for decline in the Cardamom export from India is the high
cardamom production in Guatemala and it pushing the whole production in to
export market at very cheaper rates as their domestic consumption is negligible.
Though quality wise Indian Cardamom is superior to that of Guatemala, we
cannot compete with them at the price level.
Recent trend
2005‐06 2006‐07 (E) 2007‐08 (E)
QTY Value QTY Value QTY Value
(Rs
(MT) Lakhs) (MT) (Rs Lakhs) (MT) (Rs Lakhs)
Cardamom
(S) 863 2628 650 2236 500 2475
Cardamom 1046 1155 1500 1695 1325 1500
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(L)
Export of small Cardamom increased from 682 MT in 2002‐03 to 863 MT in 2005‐
06, but declined thereafter to 500 MT in 2007‐08.
Domestic Market scenario of Cardamom
Major markets of Cardamom in India are Cochin, Thodupuzha‐(Kerala);
Saklashpur, Mercara, Medikeri, Mangalore‐(Karnataka); Bombay‐(Maharashtra);
Virudhunagar, Cumbum, Bodinayakkanur, Thevaram, Pattiveerampatti‐(Tamil
Nadu). Major assembling markets of cardamom in Kerala are Kumali (Dist.‐
Kottayam) and Vandumadu (Dist. Khozikode).
Cardamom auction system is one of the oldest methods of marketing. At present
there are six auction centers for Cardamom.
1. Monday – Bodinaikannur (Tamilnadu)
2. Tuesday‐ Kumaly (Kerala)
3. Wednesday ‐ Kumaly (Kerala)
4. Thursday ‐ Bodinaikannur (Tamilnadu)
5. Friday – Vandanmedu (Kerala)
6. Saturday – Vandanmedu (Kerala)
There are about 17 firms conducting auctions in Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka &
Mumbai. About 424 auctions were conducted for small cardamom during the
year 2003‐04.
Qnt. Sold % of
Producti
Year through production sold
on (MT)
auctions (MT) through auction
2000‐01 10480 5291 50
2001‐02 11365 3305 29
2002‐03 11920 4188 35
2003‐04 11580 5526 48
2004‐05 11415 4906 43
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Due to continuous harvesting of small cardamom in different production centers
in recent years, auction is being conducted throughout the year as desired by the
growers. As per the cardamom (Licensing & Marketing) Rules 1987 all the
producers of cardamom should sale their produce through a licensed auctioneer
/ dealer. An auctioneer can conduct more than one auction centre subject to
separate license for each functioning. For the service of the auctioneer up to 1%
of the sale price is charged as commission.
Distribution Channel of Cardamom market
Farmer
Consumers
With the introduction of “Online Futures Trading” in cardamom (small) by
NMCE on 11th February 2004 the traders and growers in the physical market has
benefited. More awareness is required among the participants to reap the
absolute benefit of price discovery and price risk management by futures market
operation. In order to build up a healthy and fair trade practice with the
involvement of innumerable anonymous trade participant, futures market is
very essential where artificially price rigging in the auction will be absent and
also price discovery with proper gradation is possible.
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Cardmom
World Scenario
World production of cardamom is estimated at 35000 MT. Presently major
producer is Guatemala recording an average annual production of about 20000‐
23000 MT. India is the second largest producer with an average production of
15000 MT. Indian cardamom is considered as superior quality but in the
international markets, India has always been out priced by Guatemala which has
negligible domestic consumption responsible for low pricing.
Despite its numerous applications in the cooking styles of Sri Lanka, India and
Iran, 60% of the world production is exported to Arab (South West Asia, North
Africa) countries, where the larger part is used to prepare coffee. Cardamom‐
flavoured coffee is almost a symbol for Arab hospitality.
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Cardamom Price Trend
600
500
RS PER KG
400
300
200
100
May 28 2005
May 26 2008
Apr 29 2004
Feb 11 2004
Oct 1 2004
Mar 11 2005
Aug 12 2005
Nov 1 2005
Jan 19 2006
Jun 23 2006
Sep 8 2006
Apr 28 2007
Feb 12 2007
Oct 1 2007
Jul 15 2004
Dec 21 2004
Apr 7 2006
Nov 25 2006
Mar 4 2008
Aug 9 2008
Jul 13 2007
Oct 29 2008
Dec 17 2007
The price of cardamom declined from levels of Rs.450 per kg in 2004 to levels of
Rs.250 per kg in 2006. This was due to increase in Indian production. Thereafter,
the prices started increasing steadily to Rs.500 in 2007 and Rs.600 in 2008.
Cardamom prices follows usually 4 to 5 year cyclical pattern where prices will
move up continuously on every fourth to fifth year. Lower domestic production
estimates and poor quality crop in Guatemala lead to increase in prices in 2007‐
08
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