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Cardamom
General Characterstics
Cardamom is the Queen of Spices as it is one of the most exotic and highlyprized spices. Cardamom plants normally start bearing two years after planting.There are three distinctive types of cardamom grown in India viz., Malabar,Mysore and Ceylon type. The two major commercial varieties of small cardamom inthe world are the Malabar and the Guatemalan. Indian cardamom is slightlysmaller, but more aromatic.
Global Demand-Supply Scenario
Guatemala, India, Tanzania, SriLanka, El Salvador, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea are the majorcardamom growing countries.
World production of cardamom isestimated at 30000 -35000 MT.
Guatemala produces nearlytwo-third of the total global cardamom production. Its production has increasedsignificantly from 13500 MT in 2002 to 23000 MT in 2004.
Consumption scenario-
Country % Consumption of World
West Asia 60
Scandinavia 16
Other EU Countries 14
USA 2.5
Japan 3
Rest 4.5
Saudi Arabia is single largestimporter of cardamom, distantly followed by Kuwait.
Indian Scenario
Production has decreasedmarginally from 11920 MT in 2002-03 to 11415 MT in 2004-05
Kerala (70%), Karnataka (20%) andTamil Nadu (10%) are the cardamom growing states in India.
About 90% of the produce isconsumed within the nation.
India roughly exports 5% - 8% ofits total production. Saudi Arabia accounts for 42% and Japan 39% of India sexports (2004-05).
Export of value-added productfrom cardamom like cardamom oil and cardamom oleoresins are increasing toGermany, Netherlands and UK.
Major Indian Markets
Cardamom is sold at auctioncentres. Important markets for cardamom in the country are Vandanmendu,Bodinayakanur, Kumily, Thekkady, Kumbum and Pattiveeran Patti in Kerala.
Factors Influencing Cardamom Markets
Fresh cardamom is green and has acharacteristic aroma. Freshness, colour, aroma and size are the major factorsthat influence cardamom prices, in addition to the current supply-demandscenario.
Cardamom is usually stored incooler areas to preserve its inherent properties.
Indian cardamom speciallyAlleppey Green is a premium grade against all other international grades.However, the production and export from Guatemala has profound influence onIndian cardamom prices.
Weather and annual production ofa year.
Production in other countriesparticularly Guatemala.
Year ending stocks andstocks-to-consumption ratio.
Time of arrival of new crop inthe market.
Source :- www.mcxindia.com |