Cardamom crop expected at 17,000 tonne

With the cardamom harvesting season expected to pick up in June, traders expect total production to touch 17,000 tonne. Better climatic condition in Idukki district, the main cardamom production centre in the country, is the main reason for the expected bumper crop. Expectations of a good crop have also steadied prices over the last 2-3 weeks.

Even though harvesting has not yet reached full swing, the new crop already comprises almost 50 per cent of the arrivals at various auction centres. On Wednesday total arrivals stood of 57,000 kg.

Market sources said prices had been almost steady during the last month. Prices are mainly determined by domestic demand especially from north Indian markets.

Best quality new crop (7-8 mm bold) was fetching a price of Rs 225 a kg while average sized cardamom was quoted at Rs 175 with the lower grades priced at Rs 125. Prices dropped by Rs 75-100 a kg on an average last season over the preceding season. Increase in production had mainly caused the dip.

It is estimated that total production in the last season was to the tune of 15,000 tonne. But estimates of the Spices Board peg output to be 12,500 tonne.

Traders said the old stock is fetching lower prices and with the 30 per cent 8 mm bold best grade fetching Rs 200 a kg. The average grades have a price tag of Rs 170-175.

Traders said that of the fresh crop arriving to auction centres 15-20 per cent is 8 mm bold grade. They also expect prices to rise in the new season on increased demand from north India.