Cardamom prices soar on deficient monsoon, crop shortage

 

August 10, 2023 

After black pepper, it is now the turn of cardamom to witness a price surge reportedly on speculative buying. The rates soared to ₹2,250 per kg in the Puttady auction centre in Kerala without bringing any benefits to the farming community due to crop shortage.

After Covid-19, the cardamom market has been witnessing a reverse trend with prices plummeting to below ₹1,000, prompting farmers to neglect the crop because of rising production cost. It was in August 2019 that prices touched a record high of ₹7,000.

PC Punnoose, managing director of CPMCS Ltd. at Kumily, cited the delayed and deficient monsoon, especially in the growing belt of Kerala’s Idukki, as the reason for prices to move up. May and June are considered as the time for surplus rains, but hardly any showers during the period, instead a dry spell which led to heavy droppings in plantations and it impacted production.

Delayed plucking

Normally, it would take 90 days for the flowers to mature, but deficient rains in this season has hit plant settings and it resulted in delayed plucking. The first round of harvest was over by July-end and the next round will all depend on a conducive weather.

It looks like climate change and weather is going to dictate the direction of the market. With El Nino strengthening, we may not see rains from December of 2023 till April 2024 contributing to further reduction in crop and increase in prices”, said SB Prabhakar, a cardamom planter in Idukki.

The growing tracts have received a deficit of 70 per cent in June, 25 per cent in July and around 40 per cent till date in August. As the South-West monsoon is the main flowering months, the overall crop is expected to drop 25-30 per cent at a minimum in the current season.

Speculative buying on

If there is a deficit again in this period, it will lead to a further reduction in crop and an increase in prices up to ₹3000 level. If rains become bountiful later in August and September, he said, adding that prices should stabilise at around ₹2,000-2,300 levels.

However, trading sources said the market is witnessing speculative buying mainly from Kerala traders in anticipation of a further price hike. The offered quantities in auction centre are on an average 100 tonnes per day.

The consuming centres in the Gulf markets and upcountry are hardly having any stocks and they are all waiting for the raw material. But the crop shortage and rising prices is hitting them hard, especially with the festival season is around.

Cardamom prices soar on deficient monsoon, crop shortage - The Hindu BusinessLine

This is why green cardamon is so expensive

 

Caviar, Champagne…cardamom? While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about culinary delicacies, the latter certainly carries its weight in the luxury category. Prices for green cardamom are known to rise up to $90 per kilo, ranking it No. 3 on the list of the most expensive spices in the world, following saffron and vanilla.

For those who are new to the spice, you can find its sweet, citrus-like flavor peeking through many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes both sweet and savory. It’s grown in tropical regions which include India and Costa Rica, and is a member of the ginger family. It’s available in both black and green varieties and can either be used in its pod form or as a ground powder derived from the seeds of the pod. Green cardamom — the focus of this article — is significantly more expensive than black cardamom and is also more difficult to find.

So why is green cardamom so expensive, exactly?

How Green Cardamom is Harvested and Grown

To understand why it can fetch such high prices in the market, we have to dig deeper into its inception from start to finish. As with many expensive ingredients, a lengthy and involved production process is behind green cardamom’s high price tag.

After farmers plant the cardamom seeds, they need to wait a grand total of three years before the crop is mature. After plants mature, the harvesting window lasts from July to February, which is relatively long. Despite the advantage of a long harvesting cycle, not all cardamon pods mature at exactly the same time, and only highly-skilled harvesters can determine which pods are ready to be picked at peak ripeness.

To reach this level of skill, harvesters must train for six months with farmers so they can discern which pods are ripe or raw. And even after all that work, only a total of approximately 10 pods can be harvested from each plant. To make matters more stressful, the stakes are quite high if mistakes are made. If the pods are collected too early, they won’t be aromatic and fetch a fair price in the market. If they are collected too late, they simply go to waste.

Weather conditions may also affect how much cardamom costs. If production is impacted negatively by rain or inclement weather, crops may be destroyed, which limits availability and drives up prices overall.

The Post-Harvest Process

Within 24 hours of harvesting, the perfectly ripe cardamom pods are ushered into a space where they must sit to dry for 18 hours. (And if they sit any longer than a day after being harvested, they risk decay.)

The drying process also impacts the green color of the pods, which is an important factor in determining their price in the marketplace. The machines that dry the pods use heat, and if the heat isn’t released perfectly it can negatively affect their color.

After drying comes sorting. A team of workers is tasked with the arduous job of sorting the smaller pods from the larger pods (which are more valuable) by hand. Ultimately, after it’s all said and done, only one-sixth of the pods harvested can be marketed as good-quality cardamom.

It’s because of all this extensive labor and attention to detail that some companies can charge a premium of $90 per kilogram of green cardamom.

The Economic Sustainability of Cardamom Production

While cardamom can sell for a lot in the marketplace, not all of that money is going directly into the pockets of its producers. Farming cardamom can be a costly endeavor, and up to 10% to 15% of the profits end up being re-invested in each acre on fertilizer alone. Add to that the losses due to weather, and producers may sometimes end up investing their own money out of pocket to keep production up.

Luckily, things are looking up for the industry, as it is projected to increase by $1,690,000 by 2025. The hope here is that farmers can keep up with demand and continue to supply the world with the spice.

By: Lauren Alexander
Posted at 6:30 AM, Jul 30, 2023 and last updated 1:58 PM, Jul 28, 2023

This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for additional stories.

https://www.simplemost.com/this-is-why-green-cardamon-is-so-expensive/

Weak demand, surplus stock, cheaper imports hurt Indian cardamom farmers

Cardamom prices are hovering around Rs 1,000 per kg on average, which the growers say is insufficient as the cost of production has grown manifold.

 

Weak demand and surplus stock are damping Indian cardamom prices down. Prices are expected to remain low in the short term given the decline in exports and subdued buying in the domestic market, in addition to the anticipated increase in stocks thanks to a fresh harvest due in two months.

Cardamom prices are hovering around Rs 1,000 per kg on average, which the growers say is insufficient as the cost of production has grown manifold. Prices rallied briefly to Rs 1,700 per kg in early 2023, before falling again.

The supply of cardamom from Guatemala, its biggest producer, has dimmed the export prospects of Indian cardamom, which is comparatively costlier. Cheaper Guatemalan cardamom, which sells at about Rs. 800 per kg, has started to make its way to the Indian market as well, thus squeezing the demand for the Indian variety.

Per the latest Spices Board data, cardamom exports between April to February 2022-23 stood at 7,031 tonnes, worth Rs 828.50 crore, a decline of 25 percent in volume and 33 percent in value year-on-year. In 2021-22, exports had peaked at 10,572 tonnes, worth Rs 1,375.70 crore

"The demand isn’t strong enough to lift the prices. Cardamom from Guatemala is flowing to the Indian market and is mixed with the Indian variety and sold in north Indian markets and at auctions," said K S Mathew,’ Chairman, Vandanmedu Green Gold Cardamom Producer Co Ltd.

Last year, Guatemala produced about 45,000 tonnes of cardamom, 10,000 tonnes more than its normal output. Indian production was reported to be around 25,000 tonnes. While the Indian harvest comes to the market by the middle of the year, the Guatemalan cardamom arrives towards the end of the year.

According to growers, the next cardamom crop, which is harvested by August, should be good as there has been adequate summer rainfall and good south-west monsoons are predicted. "However, if the monsoons get delayed, it could hit production," said P C Mathew , Secretary, Cardamom Growers Association.

Cardamom cultivation has spread to fresh areas like Idukki district in Kerala, the largest producer of the spice in the country, raising the total output in the last few years. Unlike traditional areas like Vandanmedu, where there are big planters, the new regions have growers with relatively smaller land holdings of about 1 to 5 acres.

``The small growers have lesser expenses as they do not have labour costs as they themselves toil on the land. Hence, they are able to manage at the current price levels. The large estates need to fetch between Rs 1,200 to 1,500 per kg to run their operations as the cost of labour, fertilisers, and chemicals have all multiplied several times,’’ Mathew said. When cardamom prices spurted early this year, the large planters were able to sell some of their stocks.

Unless demand picks up, cardamom prices may fall further with the arrival of the fresh crop. While small farmers too will be affected if prices go below Rs 1,000 per kg, the low prices may help India to compete with Guatemala in the global market.

In the world market, Indian cardamom was costlier than the Guatemalan variety by $10-15 per kg till a few months back. According to exporters, Guatemala has exhausted the majority of its stock and the price difference has dropped to around $1-2 per kg now.

West Asian countries are the biggest buyers of cardamom and the consumption peaks before Ramadan season. This year, the Ramadan demand was more for the significantly cheaper Guatemalan cardamom. The recessionary trend in many countries also hit exports.

"If the prices remain low, then the demand for Indian cardamom can go up before Ramadan next year provided the countries in west Asia liquidate their existing stocks," said a major exporter.

PK KRISHNAKUMAR is a journalist based in Kochi.

CARDAMOM - Guatemala in line to export around 55,000 MT for the 22-23 Season

 

Please read the short report/comment we received of an operator ofCardamom in Guatemala

Hello friends, looking forward to seeing you again next week, wanted to share this message to give you clarity to take better decisions. Look for us in stand Z6-24.

As of today Guatemala has exported 26,000 MT and by month end we’ll reach 30,500 MT… this is 9,000 MT more than last season (43% more). This figure is an all-time record, not surprising given that we have reached record monthly numbers in Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. February alone is likely to double its average volume.

We believe next three months will be records as well and by April exports will be reaching above 43,000MT with 5 months to continue exports and product still in the fields. So we will reach 55,000 MT. 

Most of the 43k is already in the hands of exporters and although we have already passed the peak of the production cycle, there is and will continue to be cardamom in the fields over the next months. 

A 55k record crop is 20% higher than last year’s previous record crop, not small by any means. We see with a bit of concern the recent price increases and the messages being circulated, as we reach last crop’s price levels and while minimal volumes from this season have arrived at destination. 

We are very happy for our clients who bought during the first half of the season at lower levels and are looking now at good profits. However, we should tread with caution at these levels.    

As for what is pushing Indian prices higher…

IPC SPECIAL ISSUE ON GUATELAMA CARDAMOM - JULY, 2020

Guatemala Cardamom Report

In Guatemala, cardamom is known as Green Gold of Guatemala as they are the world's largest exporter and producer of cardamom in the world. Since 2008 to 2019, Guatemala produced cardamom on average of 32,000 Mt annually. Furthermore, Cardamom is the fourth largest agricultural product to be exported out of Guatemala by value. The national producers of cardamom in Guatemala are distributed to several departments (regions) as follow: Alta Verapaz Department (68%), Quiché Department (14%), Huehuetenango Department (8%), Izabal Department (4%), Baja Verapaz Department (2%) and the other departments of the Republic add up to (4%) (Chart 1). Furthermore, a total of 84% of the harvested area is concentrated in 2 Departments: Alta Verapaz Department (68%) and Quiché Department (16%).

Harvesting and processing

Cardamom plants normally start bearing two years after planting. In most of the areas in Guatemala, the seedtime for cardamom performs during the rain and summer season which occurred in May-September. The high peak period of harvest also occurred during the rain and summer season around July-October (Table 1).

Postharvest treatments for cardamom in Guatemala consist of washing, curing (drying), cleaning, polishing, sorting, grading and packing. There are several ways of drying the fruit (capsules recently harvested) to reduce moisture content which include sun-drying, solar drying and wood - fired drying.

Furthermore, cardamom in Guatemala must be harvested by hand, when ready, it can be easily detached from the stem and the colour is bright green. The following definitions refer to common Guatemalan cardamom grades:

·  Jumbo Green - extra-large green small cardamom pods

·  Imperial Best Green - large green pods

·  Fancy Green Extra - extra green pods

·  Fancy Green - medium sized green pods

·  Imperial Mixed Green - large pale green pods

·  Mixed Green - pods of assorted colours

·  Mixed Green Split - medium sized open green pods

·  Yellow Mixed - medium/large closed yellow pods

·  Mixed Yellow Quality (MYQ) -medium sized light brown cardamom for grinding

·  Seeds - cardamom with the husks removed

The output of cardamom is greatly influenced by climatic conditions. The cardamom plant requires a continuous rain interspersed with periods of good sunshine. Over the past two decades, the cardamom cultivation areas in Guatemala had faced severe ecological degradation due to diminishing forest cover which was caused by the weather disturbance of El Niño and La Niña climate phenomenon. The phenomenon had adversely affected Guatemala's 2010 production, causing the quality of cardamom to deteriorate. The plant is now abnormally susceptible from attacks by pests and diseases.

Area Plantation of Cardamom in Guatemala

Cultivation of cardamom was introduced to Guatemala before World War I by Oscar Majus Kloeffer; today Guatemala is the world's biggest producer and exporter, followed by India and Sri Lanka. Over 60% of the world's cardamom is grown in Guatemala, the crops contributes to between 0.8% and 1.5% of country's GDP.

During 2008-2015 the area under cardamom cultivation in Guatemala had shown an increasing trend, recording an increase of 19% when comparing 2008 and 2015. As from 2015, the area of cardamom cultivation in Guatemala had decreased to 2017. In 2017, Guatemala planted Cardamom on 72,593 Ha of area, recording a 2% decrease when compared to 2015. In 2018, the area under cardamom cultivation was reported with an increase of 4% as opposed to 2017 to an area of 75,399 Ha. In addition, the area of cardamom cultivation for 2019 was estimated to increase by 2% to 76,761 Ha. (Table 2). The increase of the area under cardamom cultivation could be contributed to the Guatemala government's along with the Cardamom Exporters' Association (ADECAR), the Guatemalan association of Exporters (AGEXPORT) and the Cardamom Producers Association of Guatemala (CARDEGUA) implementation strategies to improve the quality of cardamom and the economic condition of the farmers involved in the production. These strate gies were implemented through demonstration plots as well as training on how to implement good agricultural practises (GAP).

Cardamom production of Guatemala had fluctuated since 2008 with a rather positive trend. Cardamom production of Guatemala was reported to have recorded an increase of 78% in the past 11 years as it recorded to have produced a total of 38,163 Mt in 2018. The highest production of Guatemalan Cardamom in the past 11 years was reported in 2014 with 38,465 Mt whilst the lowest occurred in 2008 with only 21,414 Mt.

In addition, the production of Guatemalan Cardamom for 2019 was estimated to experience an 8% increase when compared to 2018 at 41,172 Mt as result of implementation strategies by Guatemala government to improve the quality of cardamom and the economic condition of the farmers involved in the production in the Department of Alta Verapaz which was the main cardamom producer in Guatemala.

Cardamom Productivity in Guatemala

Cardamom productivity in Guatemala for the past 11 years fluctuated with a positive trend (Chart 2). In the past 11 years cardamom productivity in Guatemala was reported to have increased by 47% to 506 Kg per Ha in 2018 and by 2019 the cardamom productivity was estimated at 536 Kg per Ha. Thus, recording an increase of 6% when compared with 2018. The highest cardamom productivity in Guatemala was reported in 2013 with 553 Kg per Ha whilst the lowest occurred in 2008 with only 344 Kg per Ha.

Average Export Price of Cardamom in Guatemala

During 2017-2019, the average export price both whole and ground cardamom on Guatemala saw an increasing trend. In 2017, the average exports price of cardamom by Guatemala was reported at USD 10,350 per Mt for whole cardamom and USD 9,709 per Mt for ground cardamom. The highest average exports price of whole cardamom from Guatemala in 2017 occurred in May with USD 11,271 per Mt whilst the lowest price was reported in January with USD 9,202 per Mt. Furthermore, the highest average exports price of ground cardamom from Guatemala in 2017 was reported in June with USD 18,537 per Mt whilst the lowest price was reported in February with only USD 2,947 per Mt.

In 2018, the average exports price both whole and ground cardamom by Guatemala saw an increasing trend averaging at USD 11,784 per Mt for whole cardamom and USD 12,559 per Mt for ground cardamom. Thus, recording an increase of 14% and 29% respectively as compared with 2017. The highest average exports price of whole cardamom from Guatemala in 2018 occurred in December with USD 12,587 per Mt whilst the lowest price was reported in January with USD 10,163 per Mt. Furthermore, the highest average exports price of ground cardamom from Guatemala in 2018 occurred in April with USD 15,071 per Mt whilst the lowest price was reported in June with USD 9,668 per Mt.

The average exports price both whole and ground cardamom by Guatemala in 2019 continued the increasing trend with an increase of 47% and 15% respectively as compared to the previous year averaging at USD 17,370 per Mt for whole cardamom and USD 14,481 per Mt for ground cardamom. The highest average exports price of whole cardamom from Guatemala in 2019 occurred in December with USD 23,060 per Mt whilst the lowest price was reported in January with USD 13,595 per Mt (Table 3). Furthermore, the highest average exports price of ground cardamom from Guatemala in 2019 occurred in May with USD 27,159 per Mt whilst the lowest price was reported in December with only USD 1,437 per Mt (Table 4).

Export of Cardamom by Guatemala

As the top producers of cardamom in the world, Guatemala in the past 3 years actively exported cardamom to various countries with the major destination to Middle East countries. In 2017, Guatemala was reported to have exported a total of 35,814 Mt of cardamom from which 99.7% or 35,695 Mt of it comprised of whole cardamom and 0.3% or 119 Mt of it ground cardamom. Guatemala on average exported a total of 2,985 Mt per month in 2017 which peaked in December with 5,038 Mt. The total revenue of Guatemala's export of cardamom in 2017 was reported to be as high as USD 366.9 Million.

Year 2018 saw an increasing trend in term of quantity of cardamom exported by Guatemala. Guatemala was reported to have exported a total of 36,815 Mt of which 99.7% or 36,702 Mt of it comprised of whole cardamom and 0.3% or 113 Mt of it ground cardamom, recording an increase of 3% when compared with 2017. The average export of cardamom by Guatemala in 2018 was reported at 3,068 Mt per month which peaked in November with 5,220 Mt. In accordance with the increase of quantity, Guatemala's revenue from cardamom export was reported to have increased by 18% as compared to the previous year to a total of USD 433.7 Million.

2019 was reported with a decreasing trend in term of quantity of cardamom exported by Guatemala. Guatemala was reported to have exported a total of 36,323 Mt of which 99.7% or 36,209 Mt of it comprised of whole cardamom and 0.3% or 114 Mt of it ground cardamom, recording a slight decrease of 1% when compared with 2019. The average export of cardamom by Guatemala in 2019 was reported at 3,027 Mt per month which peaked in December with 5,816 Mt. Although decreasing in terms of quantity, Guatemala's revenue from cardamom export was reported to have increased by 49% as compared to the previous year to a total of USD 647.2 Million.

Cardamom from Guatemala are widely traded in Asia, Africa, Europe and America Countries (Table 7). In 2019, Guatemala's top 10 Country of destinations for its cardamom were reported to be Saudi Arabia with 10,107 Mt (an increase of 6% as compared with 2018), United Arab Emirates with 7,981 Mt (an increase of 10%), Bangladesh with 2,851 Mt (a decrease of 19%), Pakistan with 2,308 Mt (a decrease of 15%), Egypt with 1,386 Mt (a decrease of 0.3%), Jordan with 1,245 Mt (an increase of 1%), Netherlands with 1,127 Mt (an increase of 28%), Singapore 1,025 Mt (a decrease of 6%), Syrian Arab Republic with 958 Mt (a decrease of 29%) and Kuwait with 885 Mt (a decrease of 11%).

Source:

·  Ministerio de Agricultura Ganaderia y Alimentacion Guatemala (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Guatemala) - MAGA

·  International Trade Centre (ITC) - Geneva

·  Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)

·  US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)


Note: Some of the data in this publication are from the IPC database. The data are obtained from official reports and correspondence between the IPC and relevant partiesand have been processed based on statistical norms that can be accounted for.

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INDIA -EXPORTS LEND AROMA TO CARDAMOM

Published on July 14, 2020

Rising trend in exports has turned out to be a saviour for cardamom, amid a waning Covid-hit domestic market.

The revival of exports to Saudi Arabia from May, after resolving the pesticide residue issues, has enabled the sector to maintain a sales momentum, after cardamom prices touched rock-bottom with an average of ₹1,069/kg when the lockdown was eased.

The rising trend in exports reflected in the auction prices which went up by ₹600, touching an average of ₹1,615 a kg, said auctioneers.

According to exporters, around 100 tonnes of cardamom valued at ₹25 crore have been shipped since May to Saudi — the single largest consumer of Indian cardamom. India shipped around 4,500 tonnes of the spice in the last three years.

However, some exporters, on condition of anonymity, told BusinessLine that shipments to Saudi have slowed down after June, following the revised Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) after prescribing an additional parameter (Dithiocarbamates) analysis (apart from the existing five parameters) for samples in cardamom shipments.

The Commerce Ministry has convened a meeting of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Working Group Meeting on July 15 to consider and share issues/challenges faced by exporters with respect to non-tariff barriers (NTB’s) from the Kingdom so that these issues can be taken up by the department during the inter-government meeting, they said.

ALSO READ  Cardamom's aroma to fade away as prices may fall 25%

Prices, production

SB Prabhakar, a planter of Pambadampara Estate in Idukki, said that there was a slow-moving cyclone by June-end in Guatemala resulting in a huge amount of rain in Coban — the main growing area in Northern Guatemala. Since the entire country is under lockdown, there could be a slowdown in exports from there. This would benefit India in the case of softening of prices.

The general perception is that there would be a better production in the ensuing harvest season by July end, said PC Punnoose of Kerala Cardamom Processing & Marketing Company.
The contributing factors for a better crop are good vegetative growth, favourable climate, the absence of a prolonged summer, intermittent summer showers and above all, the extraordinary price factor that made farmers to upkeep the plantations.

Domestic market hit

However, the fluid situation of Covid has made the things worse, impacting the domestic consumption in major consuming centres of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi and Chennai, leading to a negative consumer sentiment.

Sadasivasubramaniam, Kerala Cardamom Growers Association, voiced concern over the drop in monsoon rains in Idukki region by about 40-50 per cent in June and July, which would likely affect the next crop settings.

He also highlighted some other risk factors on the production side such as labour shortage due to the closure of the border with Theni, Tamil Nadu that impacted the labour movement affecting the timely operations in plantations.

On the next crop position, Prabhakar added that much will depend on the revival of monsoon and the quantity of rains received till August-end.


Published on July 14, 2020
---------------

V.Sajeev Kumar, Kochi, | For The HinduBusinessLine.com
------------------------------

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Corona takes the sheen out of cardamom growers

Thiruvananthapuram, April 22 (IANS)

Kerala which leads the country with a giant share of 89 per cent of the total production of cardamom, is finding its growers in a difficult situation. The cardamom growers are reeling as COVID-19 has hit them very hard.
The growers sell their produce by participating in the auction, held at Bodinayakkanur in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, which lies close to the Thekkady tourist location in the Idukki district in Kerala.
In Kerala, Idukki is the home of cardamom growers who own large and small holdings and the total area under cardamom cultivation is around 38,000 hectares.
Though there is an auction centre at Vandanmeddu in Idukki district, the auction centre in Bodinayakkanur is the single most popular centre, as far as the cardamom auction is concerned.
Speaking to IANS, Sunny Mathew, executive member of the Cardamom Growers Association said things are bleak and getting bad.
"Ours is a product which fetches the highest price when the colour of the cardamom is best and fresh. Any delay in getting the product out of our farms spells danger. Sadly it''s been a month now as the premier auction centre is closed. We have never ever had such a long delay and it comes at a time when the prices were looking bright," said Mathew, a grower and also an exporter.
Cardamom from Kerala farms is auctioned and it goes to north India and for exports.
The peak market for this high quality and popular spice, used for baking and cooking purpose across the globe, begins when the yield is taken from September and tapers in January.
"This time the production has come down from 28,000 tones, last year to around 18,000 tones. When production comes down, the price rises and in January this year a kilogram of cardamom touched Rs 3,000 and when the lockdown began it was around Rs 2,300," said Mathew.
With Bodinayakkanur now declared as a hotspot for Covid-19, things are going to be bad and it would prevent auctioneers and their agents to arrive there.
"We want the government to come to our support. The Spices Board should take our products and based on our cost of production, they should lift our stock. If it does not happen, then the production would be seriously affected this year, as we do not have funds to invest. Also liberal moratoriums with regards to interest waiver and repayment also should be there," said Mathew.
--IANS
sg/dpb

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INDIA - Spice industry faces huge crisis after suspension of exports in wake of COVID-19

While Gulf countries had already suspended cardamom import, the export of cardamom, pepper and other spices has now been temporarily suspended due to coronavirus fears.

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe and India has announced a nation-wide lockdown, the spice industry is facing a huge setback. Farmers and traders are facing an enormous crisis after the export of cardamom, pepper and other spices was temporarily suspended due to coronavirus fears.

Last week the Spices Board suspended the cardamom e-auctions scheduled at e-auction centres at Bodinayakanur in Tamil Nadu and Puttady in Kerala with immediate effect until March 31. This has only added to the farmers’ woes. Within a week, the price of cardamom dropped by more than Rs 1,000 per kg. Till the last week of January, the price of cardamom was nearly Rs 4,000 to 4,500 per kg in the retail market. But now it fallen to Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,300. Pepper prices also fell to Rs 290 from Rs 330 per kg. Vendors are also not willing to buy spices such as cardamom, pepper and coffee from farmers.

Johny Joseph Vattathara, who runs Spice More Trading Company in Kumily in Kerala’s Idukki which trades in black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and coffee, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the spices trading and market. “Cardamom is mainly exported to Gulf countries. When COVID-19 started spreading across the world, the Gulf countries temporarily suspended cardamom import from other countries. We lost many export orders from the Gulf, presently we have no idea when the issue will be resolved,” he said.

Cardamom is firstly bought by vendors from Tamil Nadu and they export the product to other countries including the Gulf. But after the coronavirus scare, foreign countries stopped buying cardamom and the price continues to dip,” Johny added.

“Now the auctions have been suspended in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, so the movement of spices from Idukki district has stopped entirely. In the last cardamom auction, the average price quoted was only Rs 2,336 per kg,” Johny said.

Idukki district in Kerala is India’s largest producer of cardamom. Most of the natives in Idukki are farmers and live solely on income from agricultural produce. So when the traders stopped purchasing spices from them, the farmers are now in dire straits.

Small-scale traders are also upset over the present situation in the spices industry. “We vendors normally purchase spices from the farmers. But now we don’t know how to sell the products purchased through auction. With the lockdown in place, the market will also be suspended till April 14. We have already purchased and stored huge amounts of cardamom and pepper from the farmers. Now we don’t know when we’ll be able to sell it to wholesalers,” said MJ Joseph Mattapparampil, a spices vendor in Idukki.

AA George, a cardamom vendor, said, “In the present situation we can’t buy cardamom or other spices from the farmers. We don’t know when we can sell to wholesale vendors or through auction. The vendors have also stocked large quantities of cardamom and they are facing a big problem in selling their product.”

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is trade uncertainty in all countries and this will affect the import of cardamom and other spices. In the present situation, the vendors are not willing to purchase,” George added.

PM Thomas, a farmer, said, “Agriculture is my only source of income. But three days ago I tried to sell 10 kg of pepper but no vendor was ready to buy the product. I don’t know how to manage the situation.”

This report by
https://www.thenewsminute.com

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#NEPAL - Low big cardamom prices worry farmers

PANCHTHAR, March 17: Til Bikram Nembang of Phaktep in Phalgunanda Rural Municipality has not sold his harvested in August last year. He has been storing the processed big cardamom waiting for the price of the cash crop to go up. But there is no sign of the price going up even though new harvesting season is approaching nearer.

"I have invested huge amount of money in cardamom farming. The production was also good, but I am not getting reasonable price," said Chemjong. “The price offered by buyers is so low that I can't even recoup by investment."

Chemjong has eight quintals of big cardamom in stock.

Santosh Kambang of Linkhim of Taplejung has a different story to share. He has given up big cardamom farming, and is cultivating maize instead. "I had started big cardamom farming in paddy field sprawled over 12 ropani. As I cannot earn enough money to pay laborers, I am giving up big cardamom farming," he added. "Not only me, most of the farmers in our locality are reverting to traditional crops like maize and paddy."

According to Kambang, farmers of Phurambhu, Linkhim and Phawadin have quit big cardamom farming and focusing on traditional crops like maize and paddy.

For many years, big cardamom was a major cash crop for farmers of eastern mountain districts. The crop brought different economic benefits to many farmers of the area. But in recent years, earnings have remained far below their expectations. Traders are offering farmers Rs 30,000 per 40 kg of big cardamom. The crop fetched price of as high as Rs 110,000 per 40 kg some years ago. Many farmers say return from big cardamom farming these days is lower than what farmers invest.

Khem KC, who is involved in farming and trade of big cardamom, told Republica that earnings from big cardamom in the past was so good that farmers were educating children in good schools and even buying land and houses. "But the prices have been falling for the past two-three years," added KC.

According to Narendra Adhikari, central vice-chairperson of Big Cardamom Entrepreneurs Federation, the price of cardamom was Rs 23,000-Rs 25,000 per 40 kg on Sunday. "Many farmers have stored big cardamom in their houses hoping for the prices to go up. I think there is no demand in India right now due to coronavirus outbreak," he added. "Maybe we are not getting good prices because production has increased in Bhutan and India itself."

Big cardamom farming is down in more than 42 districts of Nepal. Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar, Ilam, Dhankuta, Tehrathum and Khotang are the major producers of Province 1.

According to Department of Agriculture, big cardamom farming is done in 12,120 hectares of land in Nepal including 11,300 hectares in Province 1. As India is the main market for big cardamom grown in Nepal, its price is determined by Indian traders.

Published On: March 17, 2020 11:01 AM NPT By: Giriraj Baskota
For https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news








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INDIA #Cardamom Price Falls Due to Week-Long Holiday

10 March, 2020  
Due to the week-long holiday in many North Indian markets on account of Holi festival, cardamom sales got affected. Besides, price fluctuations in the past one week kept the buyers away. Moreover, the harvest is not over in plantations and sufficient stocks are still available.
Lack of buyer support and subdued upcountry demand dragged cardamom prices down by Rs. 200 a kg at Puttady auctions.

Above all, forecasts on likely summer rains this week in growing regions has affected market sentiments, as intermittent showers would give more yields. There was not much buying by exporters as they seem to be in wait-and-watch mode for a further price drop, traders said.

The auctioneers KCPMC offered 37.23 tonnes in 180 lots. The average price realized was only Rs.2,745 per kg. According to traders, the market is likely to be stable as major buyers have come forward to participate. With the conclusion of the harvest season, traders are worried about the inferior quality of capsules coming from the plantations.
Meanwhile, there was no trading session in the afternoon as poor arrivals forced auctioneers to cancel the auctions.

Trade analysts Acumen Capital Markets said cardamom March futures fell by 3.6 percent or Rs.103.7 to Rs.2,785.6 at close.


By: Chander Mohan
https://krishijagran.com/commodity-news









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Festival season in Gulf perks up cardamom demand

Kochi March 02, 2020

Declining prices and the ensuing Ramadan demand seem to have prompted overseas buyers of cardamom. This is evident from the procurement of 25 per cent of the commodity by exporters, out of the 32 tonnes offered in the morning auctions at Bodinayakanur on Monday.

The recent price drop is an opportunity to explore the Gulf markets. With rates coming down, the price difference with the Guatemalan variety in the Gulf markets is now $5 per kg as against $10 earlier, traders said, adding that the downward price trend is expected to provide market stability and fetch more export revenue.
Cardamom exports from India up to December was only 500 tonnes because of high prices of the commodity as against 1,300 tonnes in the previous year, they said.

The surge in export demand can be linked to dropping prices and the upcoming festival season in GCC countries. Since the festival period this year falls in May, exporters would start procuring the commodity in March and April. Indian capsules are in great demand in Gulf countries because of its superior quality.

Few export, sub-suppliers and direct exporters have participated in today’s auctions, which indicates there is some renewed demand in the Gulf countries. Some shipments were sent last week, which will reach the Gulf coasts in mid-March. There is still not much stock available to fulfil the seasonal demand. As a few countries are facing Coronavirus threat, it may affect shipments, an exporter said.

Iran, one of the active markets for Indian cardamom, may not be active until the situation improves. Kuwait seems to be very active, especially after the Gulf Food Expo, preferring the Indian commodity to the Gautemalan, the exporter said, adding that there is a likely shortage of crop from Guatemala because of drought.
Arrivals in the auctions have shown sizeable improvement at 79.5 tonnes and the average price realisation was ₹2,985.

V Sajeev Kumar
The Hindu Business Line

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#Cardamom -Cardamom prices stable at Bodinayakanur auctions

Published on February 25, 2020

Cardamom prices remained stable on Tuesday at Bodinayakanur because of more active participation.

According to traders, upcountry buyers are keenly assessing market sentiments even though they have not yet started procurement in a big way. Liquidation of some of the high-priced inventory also helped bring stability to the market.

Contrary to weather forecasts, plantations have not received any showers in the last few months. Small and marginal farmers are facing acute water shortage in the region, traders said.

Any rise in prices is likely to depend on the summer rains. Delay in summer showers and the intensity of the summer will drive up prices, traders said.

The total quantity offered in the auction was 43.5 tonnes, which recorded a combined average price of R$2,745. In the morning session, Cardamom Growers Federation offered seven tonnes, in which 6.3 tonnes realised an average price of R$2,720.68. The highest price quoted for selected lots was R$3,276.

The offer made by KCPMC in the afternoon trading session was 36.5 tonnes, in which 35.9 tonnes realised an average price of R$2,769.32. The highest price quoted for selected lots was R$3.266.


According to trade analysts Acumen Capital Markets, the March futures fell by 3 per cent or R$89 to R$2,879.30 when last traded on Monday.

V Sajeev Kumar  Kochi | Published on February 25, 2020

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/

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1 USD = 72.1768 INR

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Cardamom exporters stay off Gulf Food Festival

A lower production and absence of required quality seem to have prompted many cardamom exporters here to skip the ongoing Gulf Food Festival in the UAE.
Traders said an overall drop in production at the fag end of the current harvest season and the non-availability of quality capsules prompted them to stay off the overseas trade meet.
According to traders, higher prices limit the scope for exports. The availability of good quality capsules and price stability will encourage exports. However, both are missing now. Less than 10 per cent of production is exported now, compared with 15 to 20 per cent a few years ago. The restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia on cardamom shipments have also impacted overseas trade in the last two years.

Market steady

Meanwhile, the cardamom market in Bodinayakanur remained steady on Monday with improved arrivals at 83 tonnes, thanks to active upcountry participation and local buyers’ support. The steady market indicates that buyers are ready to enter at the current rates, traders said.
The combined average price in the two trading session was ₹3,375.
In the morning session, the auctioneers Mas Enterprises Ltd offered 41.3 tonnes of 220 lots in which 38.6 tonnes realised an average price of ₹3,400.54. The highest price quoted for selected lots was ₹3,764.
The offer made by Header Systems India Ltd in the afternoon session was 42 tonnes of 220 lots in which 39.8 tonnes realised an average price of ₹3,349.75. The highest price quoted was ₹3,986.

Trade analysts Acumen Capital Markets Ltd said cardamom March futures fell by 1.02 per cent or ₹33.4 to ₹3,240 when last traded on Monday.

V Sajeev Kumar Kochi | Updated on February 17, 2020 Published on February 17, 2020
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com

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#CARDAMOM - In India High-priced inventory drives cardamom prices down

High-priced inventory drives cardamom prices down
V.Sajeev Kumar Kochi | Updated on January 29, 2020 Published on January 29, 2020

High-priced inventory, both at primary trade centres and consuming markets, seemed to have a say on cardamom prices, which dropped at Puttady auctions on Wednesday.
Because of this, traders remained inactive in the two trading sessions and that impacted the prices in spite of lower arrivals. There was no active involvement of buyers. Many of them are on a wait-and-watch mode to liquidate stocks and this led to lesser sales, lean buying and higher credit cycle.

Besides, the current harvest from the plantations are of inferior quality and smaller in size at the fag end of the season. This has also added to the sentiments.


The arrivals in the two trading session was 23.6 tonnes, which realised a combined average price of ₹3,660 per kg. The upcountry buyers were not active because of the huge time gap between the two trading sessions. The morning auction was completed in one hour, forcing buyers to wait for long for commencement of the second session, traders said.

In the morning session, the auctioneers Idukki Dist Traditional Cardamom Producer Company offered 11.8 tonnes, which realised an average price of ₹3,655.21 per kg. The highest price quoted for selected lots was ₹3,898.

In the evening session, Vandanmedu Green Gold Cardamom Producer Co offered 11.8 tonnes in which 10.8 tonnes realised an average price of ₹3665.92. The highest price quoted for selected lots was ₹3,905.
Trade analysts Acumen Capital Markets said that most active cardamom March futures gained by 1.64 per cent or ₹64.5 to ₹3,989.90 when last traded on Wednesday.

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1 U$D =71,35 INDIAN RUPEES

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CARDAMOM INDIA - MARKET UPDATE

Cardamom prices had an unbelievable move last year from around U$D 20/kg asked in October/November 2019 to U$D 30 - 40 asked these days.
What´s happening ? Will this trend continue, stop, or revert ?
Below some consideration about the possibilities

Current climate may prove unfavourable for cardamom crop
V Sajeev Kumar  Kochi | Updated on January 24, 2020  Published on January 24, 2020

Cardamom growers are worried over the climatic conditions prevailing in the growing tracts, which is likely to be unfavourable for the next crop season. Traders pointed out that the heavy winds lashing the growing regions may be a bad sign for the crop, as winds are always an indication of a dry spell. The moisture in the top soil will be absorbed by the breeze and result in the heating up of soil and, in turn, affect the plants. This could affect the reproductive phase of the plant by way of reduction in flowering and also in falling cardamom capsules.

THE WEATHER FORECAST
The IMD's forecast of delayed summer showers is causing concern in the cardamom growing belt of Kerala. With showers expected only by April, growers are worried how the next crop season will turn out.
Absence of rains in January, February and March will affect the growth of the plants. A normal crop can be expected when growing tracts receive a rain at least once a month.
The weather forecast is likely to affect the sentiments in the market and jack up prices. Growers are already worried over the heavy winds lashing across the growing regions, which may harm the crop.

THE AUCTIONS - JANUARY 24
Meanwhile cardamom prices edged lower when arrivals rose slightly at the auctions conducted at Spices Park in Puttady. There was an improvement in arrivals with a total quantity of 52.44 tonnes in two trading sessions, realising a combined average price of R$,711 per kg.

The majority of planters are holding their stocks and do not want to liquidate them in the wake of the price drop. The market has been witnessing a declining trend in arrivals after the Pongal holidays, and the decline is expected to continue.
Traders are anticipating a revival only after the Delhi polls, and an uptick in demand in many North Indian markets. Cold weather conditions are also a contributing factor for slow demand, coupled with a cash shortage in many markets.

Traders have also a raised concerns on the quality of capsules available in the market in the wake of the last round of harvest this season.

In the morning session on Thursday, auctioneers SpiceMore Trading Company offered 30.2 tonnes in 146 lots, of which 28.5 tonnes realised an average price of  R$ 3,746.17 per kg. The highest price quoted for selected varieties was R$ 4,042 per kg.
In the evening trade on Thursday, auctioneers Sugandhagiri Spices Promoters and Traders offered 22.2 tonnes of 124 lots, which realised an average price of R$ 3,676.81 per kg. The highest price quoted for selected lot was R$ 4,351 per kg.
------------------------------

REFERENCES
1 U$D =71,35 INDIAN RUPEES
3784 INDIAN RUPEES = 53 U$D
3676 INDIAN RUPEES = 51,52 U$D
4351 INDIAN RUPEES = 63,50 U$D

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Spice purveyor Schiff acquires Golombeck in expansion move

By Emily Bader
Totowa | Sep 5, 2019 at 5:00 am


Schiff Foods, a Totowa-based purveyor of whole spices, ground spices and seasonings, announced Wednesday it has acquired Morris J. Golombeck, a Brooklyn-based importer and exporter of high-quality spices and herbs.

Schiff, which was founded in 1949 selling food condiments in Brooklyn, moved to Totowa in 1998 to expand its business to include seeds, herbs, dehydrated vegetables, onion and garlic, seasoning blends, and more. It currently has a 300,000-square-foot warehouse with 30,000 square feet of cold storage dedicated to delicate spices and 15,000 square feet for production.

The combined companies will increase Schiff’s capacity, flexibility and technology, it said.

“The shared values and common goals of Schiff and Golombeck makes this alliance a formidable entity that will anchor our position as a major source for quality spices,” a spokesperson for Schiff Foods said. “The Golombeck team will continue to be an integral part of the Schiff management team, assuring customers that they will continue to enjoy the same personal relationships they have come to expect from an industry leader.”

The main warehouse in Totowa will be expanded and upgraded further to streamline production and distribution, the spokesperson said.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

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