Black cardamom price hits new high in Taplejung market

KATHMANDU: The price of black cardamom, also known as large cardamom or Nepal cardamom, has reached a new high this year due to increased market demand.

Currently, large cardamom is being bought and sold at Rs 107,000 per 40 kilograms (kg) in the market of Phungling, the headquarters of Taplejung district, depending on its quality. According to trader Kamal Baral, both high-quality and medium-quality cardamom are being traded.

Large cardamom with big pods and cut tips is being traded at Rs 107,000 per 40 kg. Medium quality, with smaller pods, is being traded at Rs 104,000 per 40 kg, while cardamom of normal quality is being traded at Rs 101,000 per 40 kg.

Harvesting of large cardamom begins in Taplejung in mid-July and continues in the mountainous areas until the second week of December. According to traders, cardamom began arriving in the market in mid-July this year, initially priced at Rs 60,000 per 40 kg.

Agricultural experts note that prices usually decrease when new produce enters the market. However, this year, prices have continuously increased. President of the Large Cardamom Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (LCEAN), Taplejung, Bhadra Bir Regmi, stated that the prices of cardamom entering the market since the third week of August have been rising steadily.

Taplejung is one of the largest black cardamom-producing districts in Nepal. Large cardamom is cultivated on about 45,000 hectares here. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, approximately 3,000 metric tonnes of large cardamom are produced from this region. Farmers are expecting high incomes due to good production this year.

Experts attribute the increased demand for Nepal cardamom in the international market to the post-Covid 19 pandemic in major importing countries like India and China. Nepal's cardamom production had decreased due to adverse weather and disease, reducing supply.

Meanwhile, farmers are elated by the continuous increase in the price of large cardamom. Purna Limbu, a farmer from Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-5, said, "This year's price will help cover the losses of the past. It is great to be able to sell large cardamom at such a price." However, despite the price increase, traders advise caution. They emphasise the need to pay attention to weather, market stability, and quality.

Farmers have begun adopting modern technology to further increase cardamom production. Improvements in the drying process, selection of good seeds, and use of organic fertilisers are expected to boost production. The Agricultural Knowledge Centre is supporting farmers with technology and information.

Traders caution that there is no guarantee the current increase in the price of large cardamom will remain. The balance of demand and supply in the market can cause price fluctuations in the coming months. The current price increase has provided great relief to farmers, and if the price remains stable in the future, it will further encourage the production of large cardamom.

Black cardamom has provided relief to farmers in the mountainous district as a primary source of income. The price increase has also supported the local economy. The price of cardamom is expected to remain stable in the coming days, with international demand for Nepal cardamom expected to rise. The challenge for farmers is to maintain quality and focus on production.