Cardamom prices dip slightly after hitting yearly high
Known as the “gold of the hills,” cardamom cultivation has directly benefited farmers in the eastern hilly regions due to the rising prices.
KATHMANDU: Cardamom prices in Nepal have slipped slightly after reaching this year’s peak.
Today, farmers are selling JJ-grade cardamom at Rs 100,000 per man (40 kg), while Chalu-grade is being traded at Rs 97,000 per man, according to Deepak Nepal, President of the Nepal Cardamom Traders Association.
The price had peaked on Tuesday, when JJ-grade cardamom reached Rs 102,000 per man. “Cardamom prices have been rising steadily, but today we saw a minor drop of Rs 2,000 per man,” said Deepak Nepal.
He added that cardamom from lower altitude areas has mostly reached the market, while harvest from higher altitude regions is just beginning.
Known as the “gold of the hills,” cardamom cultivation has directly benefited farmers in the eastern hilly regions due to the rising prices.
Although cardamom is grown in 42 districts nationwide, major production comes from Koshi Province, particularly in Panchthar, Taplejung, Ilam, Sankhuwasabha, Khotang, Bhojpur, and Tehrathum.
Nepal exports about 90% of its cardamom, mostly to India, where it is rebranded before entering global markets.
Direct access to international markets remains limited for Nepali cardamom.
Currently, over 7,500 hectares in Koshi Province are under cardamom cultivation.
In FY 2081/82, exports via the Kakarbhitta checkpoint reached Rs 7.67 billion, the Mechi Customs Office reported.
In the first quarter of FY 2082/83, cardamom exports increased by 33%, with 1,072 metric tons worth Rs 1.679 billion exported to India during the months of Shrawan, Bhadra, and Ashoj, according to Customs Information Officer Ishwarkumar Humagain.
