Court Intervention in Cardamom Auction Practices
The Kerala High Court has been approached by the Cardamom Growers Association with a request to revisit the Spices Board’s recent pooling decision. The association is advocating for the exclusive rights of growers and planters to pool and sell cardamom, particularly through e-auctions at designated venues in Puttady, Idukki, and Bodinayakanur, Tamil Nadu. This legal plea arises from concerns over the Spices Board’s policies, which currently permit dealers to partake in the auction pooling process, a move that contradicts established regulations meant to benefit the growers and planters directly.
Policy Changes and Their Effects on Cardamom Producers
The heart of the growers’ discontent lies in a 2022 circular issued by the Spices Board, allowing dealers to pool up to 25 tonnes of cardamom in a single auction, a decision deemed contrary to the Cardamom (Licensing and Marketing) Rules. The petitioners argue that this policy change has negatively impacted the cardamom growers, leading to lower market prices and added hardships for them. In light of these challenges, the growers have called upon the Board to reconsider these decisions and realign the auction practices with the original terms and conditions, safeguarding the interests of the primary producers.
The Kerala High Court’s directive to the Spices Board to review its auction pooling policies comes as a critical development aimed at addressing the concerns of cardamom growers and ensuring fair market practices.