Nepal produces about 8,600 tons of cardamom every year. But in some years, the amount of cardamom exported is shown as higher than the total production. The main market for Nepali cardamom is India.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, 8,600 tons of cardamom were produced in the fiscal year 2079/80. However, customs data from the same year shows that 9,900 tons were exported. This is 1,300 tons more than the actual production.
Experts say this happens because farmers and traders hold on to their stock when prices are low. They keep the harvest stored and sell it the following year when prices improve. This makes exports appear higher than production in some years.
Around 90% of Nepali cardamom is exported to India. Only a small portion goes to other countries. India has a large spice industry and a strong demand for cardamom. The Muslim community in India also uses it widely in food and drinks, which increases the consumption.
The trade value of cardamom from Nepal is about 9 billion rupees a year. Even when production falls, the total value of exports does not decrease much because prices go up. In past years, the price per kilo was between 1,200 and 1,500 rupees. Now, it is around 2,500 rupees per kilo.
When is cardamom season?
The main season for cardamom is during Ashoj, Kartik, and Mangsir. During these months, fresh harvest enters the market and demand also rises because of festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
Cardamom is grown in about 52 to 53 districts of Nepal, but commercial farming is done in 43 districts. This year, both farmers and traders are active as the season begins. Farmers are expecting better prices than last year, while traders are encouraged by strong market demand.
Nepal’s cardamom has become an important export product that brings in foreign currency and supports thousands of farmers.
