Production and Export Performance of Cardamom in India

Abstract

Cardamom is generally produced in the tropical regions of the world. Guatemala is the largest cardamom producing country followed by India. The total world production of this spice is around 35,000 MT per annum.India is to be the largest producer of Cardamom, during 2000 and thereafter, Guatemala pushed her to the second position.Cardamom cultivation is concentrated on the Western Ghats in the country; and the Western Ghats are also known as “Cardamom Hills”. In 2012-13, as per provisional trade estimates, India's production is around 12,000 MT. Following states are the major producers of cardamom in India Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Kerala producers were 70 per cent which was followed by Karnataka 20 per cent and Tamil Nadu 10 per cent. India is the second largest exporter of cardamom after Guatemala. India exports roughly 15 per cent to 20 per cents of its total cardamom production.India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, with a 46 per cent share by volume and 23 per cent share by value, in the world market.