Elevated Temperatures and Scarce Rainfall Threaten Cardamom Yields
Cardamom growers are facing a tough season ahead as rising temperatures and delayed rainfall cast a shadow over the upcoming harvest. In Vandanmedu, Idukki, a key area for cardamom cultivation, temperatures have climbed from the usual 30 degrees Celsius to an alarming 34 degrees, raising fears of crop damage if the trend continues. The region, accustomed to early showers in March, remains parched, endangering both the survival and productivity of cardamom plants. Without the anticipated rainfall soon, growers are concerned about the impact on both plant health and water availability for irrigation.
The Economic Forces and International Rivalries Affecting Cardamom Prices
Despite these agricultural challenges, the market has remained relatively stable, with cardamom fetching an average price of about $18 per kilogram, buoyed by robust demand during the Holi festival season. Furthermore, upcoming Ramzan sales and the adverse weather conditions have unexpectedly bolstered the market, even amid the political atmosphere of the Lok Sabha elections. However, the Spices Board’s recent mandate for auctioneers to provide full bank guarantees has stirred some discontent within the industry, highlighting the need for more collaborative regulatory approaches.
Looking abroad, a significant drop in Guatemala’s cardamom production—from 54,000 tonnes last year to 30,000 tonnes this season—presents a unique opportunity for Indian cardamom to surpass its international rival for the first time in decades. The narrowing price gap between Indian and Guatemalan cardamom could boost India’s export demand, despite current shipping delays linked to the Red Sea crisis. As the global cardamom market responds to these fluctuations, the coming months will be critical for determining the direction of cardamom prices, with potential increases on the horizon if the dry conditions persist into April.