Dried green cardamom
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
As the war in West Asia intensifies, cardamom prices are in a downward spiral with the average price dropping by ₹150 per kg within six days. The UAE and wider Gulf region remain the primary export destinations for Kerala cardamom.
On February 27, an auction in Puttady quoted an average price of ₹2,419 per kg. However, by Wednesday (March 4), the average price at a morning auctionfell to ₹2,243.
Spices Board chairperson Sangeetha Vishwanathan told The Hindu that the board is monitoring the situation closely. “The sudden price drop is a direct impact of the war, which is being felt across all sectors,” she said. “Gulf countries are the prime export destination for Indian cardamom, and we hope the situation does not persist for long.”
Holi
Ms. Vishwanathan added that while the crisis is a concern, there have been no reported order cancellations yet. “Due to Holi celebrations in north India, domestic demand remains at a positive level. We expect the present crisis to end soon,” she said.
Santhosh Joseph, a cardamom exporter, highlighted the logistical anxiety faced by the industry. “Exported cardamom has not yet reached the Gulf; many parcels are currently stranded in ports or on ships,” Mr. Joseph said. “Normally, north Indian vendors begin active purchasing for export after Holi celebrations. However, given the given the present situation, there is someuncertainty.”
Stany Pothen, chairperson of the Cardamom Planters Federation, noted that the timing of the conflict is particularly difficult for growers. “Normally, at the end of the crop season in March every year, the cardamom price sees a positive price trend. This sudden war situation has ruined the hopes of many farmers who were expecting a strong finish.”
Despite the international volatility, Mr. Pothen remains optimistic about local consumption. “We have a strong domestic market. Cardamom use within the country remains high and continues to grow daily. We expect the present crisis to resolve soon.”
Published – March 04, 2026 08:43 pm IST
