Cardamom price rise sparks farmer optimism in Bhojpur
According to Chandra Bahadur Bista, a farmer from Temkemaiyung–5, Cholanti, the sustained increase in market value over the past few years has motivated farmers to expand their cultivation.
KATHMANDU: Farmers in Bhojpur are increasingly encouraged as cardamom prices continue to rise, reaching up to Rs 98,000 per mann (40 kg) this season.
According to Chandra Bahadur Bista, a farmer from Temkemaiyung–5, Cholanti, the sustained increase in market value over the past few years has motivated farmers to expand their cultivation.
Bista, who harvested about 7.5 mann of cardamom this year, said some farmers have already sold their produce, while others are still storing it in hopes of further price gains. “Cardamom is trading at around Rs 98,000 locally,” he said. “Many farmers are waiting, expecting the price to climb even higher.”
Cholanti is widely known as one of the most productive cardamom-growing regions in the district, with around 80–90 households engaged in commercial cultivation. Rajesh Bista, President of the Cardamom Entrepreneurs’ Association, said production in the area has increased compared to previous years, even though the overall national output has slightly declined. Despite challenges from pests and diseases, he noted, farmers remain motivated due to strong market prices.
The Agriculture Knowledge Center reports that cardamom is currently cultivated across 597 hectares in the district, mainly consisting of the Ramshahi, Golshahi, Dumbarsahi, and Jirmale varieties.
Key production areas include Cholanti, Dobhane, Kudakauli, Sampang, Annapurna, Champe, Khawa, Chhinamkhu, Kimalung, Washingtharpu, Timma, Helauncha, and Gupteshwar.
Cardamom has increasingly become a major cash crop in these regions, strengthening rural economies. Local farmers say the income supports household expenses, healthcare, children’s education, and other daily needs.
However, challenges such as fluctuating market prices, irregular weather patterns, pest infestations, and post-harvest management issues persist.
Officials at the Agriculture Knowledge Center stated that continuous training programs, awareness campaigns, and improved farming technologies are being promoted to help farmers enhance productivity, quality, and resilience.
