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General Characterstics
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Cardamom is the 'Queen of Spices' as it is one of the
most exotic and highly prized 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 in the world are the Malabar
and the Guatemalan. Indian cardamom is slightly smaller, but more aromatic.
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Global Demand-Supply Scenario
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- Guatemala, India,
Tanzania, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Papua
New Guinea are the major cardamom growing countries.
- World production of
cardamom is estimated at 30000 -35000 MT.
- Guatemala produces
nearly two-third of the total global cardamom production. Its
production has increased significantly from 13500 MT in 2002 to 23000
MT in 2004.
- Consumption
scenario-
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Country
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%
Consumption of World
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West Asia
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60
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Scandinavia
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16
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Other EU Countries
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14
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USA
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2.5
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Japan
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3
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Rest
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4.5
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- Saudi Arabia is
single largest importer of cardamom, distantly followed by Kuwait.
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Indian Scenario
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- Production has
decreased marginally from 11920 MT in 2002-03 to 11415 MT in 2004-05
- Kerala (70%),
Karnataka (20%) and Tamil Nadu (10%) are the cardamom growing states
in India.
- About 90% of the
produce is consumed within the nation.
- India roughly exports
5% - 8% of its total production. Saudi Arabia accounts for 42% and
Japan 39% of India's exports (2004-05).
- Export of
value-added product from cardamom like cardamom oil and cardamom
oleoresins are increasing to Germany, Netherlands and UK.
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Major Indian Markets
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Cardamom is sold at auction centres. Important markets
for cardamom in the country are Vandanmendu, Bodinayakanur, Kumily,
Thekkady, Kumbum and Pattiveeran Patti in Kerala.
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Factors Influencing Cardamom Markets
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- Fresh cardamom is
green and has a characteristic aroma. Freshness, colour, aroma and
size are the major factors that influence cardamom prices, in addition
to the current supply-demand scenario.
- Cardamom is usually
stored in cooler areas to preserve its inherent properties.
- Indian cardamom
specially Alleppey Green is a premium grade against all other
international grades. However, the production and export from
Guatemala has profound influence on Indian cardamom prices.
- Weather and annual
production of a year.
- Production in other
countries particularly Guatemala.
- Year ending stocks
and stocks-to-consumption ratio.
- Time of arrival of
new crop in the market.
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