Indian Cardamom Poised for Ramadan Demand Amid Guatemala Shortfall

 

Indian Cardamom Poised for Ramadan Demand Amid Guatemala Shortfall

 

Published 11-11-2024, 02:26 pm

Updated 11-11-2024, 09:15 pm

 

With Guatemala's cardamom production for 2024-25 predicted to fall by 40-50%, India's cardamom industry is preparing for a possible export boost ahead of Ramadan in February 2025. Lower supply from Guatemala, combined with crop damage from thrips, has pushed prices upward, giving Indian exporters a unique advantage despite a decline in India’s own production. While Indian prices are expected to climb to ₹3,500 per kg in early 2025, exporters warn that high domestic prices and speculation could deter international buyers, especially from the Middle East. However, stabilization above the ₹2,500 level has generated renewed overseas interest, suggesting a mixed outlook for India’s cardamom sector.

Key Highlights

# Guatemala's cardamom production drops by 40-50%, boosting Indian export prospects.

# India’s own production is down 50%, driving domestic prices higher.

# Indian cardamom prices expected to reach ₹3,500/kg in early 2025.

# Middle Eastern buyers cautious due to India’s current high prices.

# Speculation and unregulated auctions could impact India's market competitiveness.

Indian cardamom prices are expected to climb as demand builds ahead of Ramadan, with Guatemala, the largest producer, reporting a 40-50% decline in production for the 2024-25 season. Damage from thrips and other factors has reduced Guatemala’s output to around 17,000 to 20,000 tonnes, giving India a potential export edge in Gulf markets. The scarcity in Guatemala has driven its cardamom prices to trade 30% higher than Indian cardamom, positioning Indian exports favorably to meet the demand spike during Ramadan in February 2025.

Indian growers, however, are also facing a reduced crop, with output down nearly 50% this season. The domestic supply shortage is projected to increase prices further, with rates potentially reaching ₹3,500 per kg by early 2025. Planters in Idukki, anticipates that these higher prices will provide some relief to exporters amid limited supply. The high demand and limited stocks could result in an ideal scenario for cardamom traders as Ramadan approaches.

However, exporters caution that inflated prices could restrict export volumes, especially with Middle Eastern buyers hesitant to commit amid India’s current high prices. The emergence of private, unregulated auctions has also spurred price speculation, raising concerns about market stability. The inflated prices may also encourage cheaper imports from Guatemala, potentially undercutting India’s position in both local and export markets.

Despite challenges, there are positive signals, as indicated by a recent increase in overseas inquiries after Diwali. With prices stabilizing above ₹2,500, the industry is cautiously optimistic. However, crop damage from snail infestation adds further uncertainty, as it impacts new panicles and flowers, risking additional losses in an already tight supply scenario.

Finally

India’s cardamom market is set for Ramadan exports despite high prices, but regulatory checks on speculation may be crucial to maintain competitiveness.

https://in.investing.com/news/commodities-news/indian-cardamom-poised-for-ramadan-demand-amid-guatemala-shortfall-4520081

 

Guatemala origin Cardamom Update: - February 25

Season is nearing its end, with over 85% of the crop harvested. Expectations are that the crop will be 50% less vs last season, worse than expected.
We also believe next crop starting in October will be short again as the damage from the long summer period in 2023 will continue to affect production. 

In terms of demand, with the price increase some destination markets are quiet and profit taking is going on.
We are entering the Ramadan season and significan sales at destination are expected, which will reduce inventories at destination and will generate additional demand from origin after Ramadan. 

Gulfood in this sense was ok, decent sales were done but sentiment was not aggressive. 

Indian cardamom exporters bet big on Gulfood 2024 to gain Ramadan business

February 20, 2024 at 05:53 PM. | Kochi

Current $5 difference with Guatemala likely to attract more buyers

BY V SAJEEV KUMAR

The commencement of Gulfood 2024 in Dubai has revived Indian cardamom exporters’ hopes to gain a competitive edge vis-à-vis Guatemalan produce in the Gulf markets for the ensuing Ramadan fasting season, which begins from March.

Though shippers are anticipating stiff competition from Guatemala, the lower price for Indian cardamom in the current season has raised their hopes. It was because of higher prices, the Indian cardamom had lost its business last year and the current price difference of $5 per tonne with Guatemalan crop is expected to fetch good sales this time, exporters said adding that the domestic price is ruling in the range between ₹1,450-1,500 per kg.

However, the worsening Red Sea crisis is creating a hurdle for exporters in sending the cargo to all the Gulf countries other than Dubai leading to transit delays for almost two weeks and higher cost due to diversion of ships. The emerging situation has resulted in delays in realising funds from abroad, thereby affecting the cash flow in the domestic market as well, a cardamom exporter in Vandanmedu in Idukki said.

Buyers face dilemma

M Dhanavandan, the Bodinayakanur based cardamom exporter who is in Dubai for Gulfood 2024, told businessline that many buyers found Indian prices to be favourable this time, generating interest in purchasing the crop from this region.

However, buyers faced a dilemma for making their purchases. With new crop arrivals and existing stocks of Guatemalan bought at lower prices during times when Indian crop prices were higher, decision-making became more complex. The approaching Ramadan sales also added another layer of complexity to the equation, he said.

The unpredictability of Indian cardamom prices further compounded buyers’ concerns. The question of whether prices would increase in the near future or remain stable at current levels, and whether it was prudent to book cargo now or wait for potential price drops during the onset of new arrivals, loomed large, he added.

Unstable domestic market

According to PC Punnoose, General Manager, KCPMC Ltd, the domestic market is unstable because of a lower demand and subdued export buying since January. The early Ramadan this time has facilitated buyers in the Gulf nations to cover their requirements and the market is expecting a positive trend only when the export buying starts.

Likewise, the upcountry markets in many North Indian cities are slow and the farmers’ strike in Haryana has further worsened the situation, leading to a disruption in truck movement.

Cardamom production is at the fag end of the season and the next crop is expected to start by June depending on the arrival of south-west monsoon, he said.

Indian cardamom exporters bet big on Gulfood 2024 to gain Ramadan business  - The Hindu BusinessLine

Scanty rainfall hits cardamom production, prices set to spiral to record levels

 

As prices of cardamom rise, India is in danger of losing its export markets to the cheaper Guatemalan cardamom. Even the upcoming festive season may not help its cause as higher prices may impact the price-sensitive domestic market as well.

AUGUST 16, 2023

Cardamom prices are spiraling to record levels as severely deficient rainfall wreaks havoc in Idukki district in Kerala, where most of the country’s cardamom is grown.

The average prices have doubled to around Rs 2,000 per kg from a couple of months ago. The maximum price for the premium quality has jumped to about Rs 3,000 per kg. It is reminiscent of the situation four years ago when average prices crossed Rs 4,000 per kg and the maximum price escalated to Rs 7,000 per kg when the south-west monsoon rains played truant.

Rainfall is said to be short by 30 to 50 percent so far in different parts of Idukki district, the hub of cardamom cultivation. ``The harvest began towards the end of last month and the production looks to be 30 to 40 percent short because of poor rainfall from June. If it rains towards the end of this month or in September, we may get some good crop by December, but the current damage cannot be set right,’’ said K K Saseendra Babu, MD of Vandanmedu Green Gold Cardamom Producer Co. Ltd.

He reckons that the total cardamom production in the country could drop to around 15,000 tonnes from 25,000 tonnes last year. Lower carryover stock has also contributed to the price rally.

At present consumption is weak and given the current prices it remains to be seen whether it will pick up with the onset of festival season after September. The maximum domestic sale usually happens during the Durga pooja-Diwali season. Subdued demand may limit the rise of cardamom prices till the festival season begins.

`The pattern of consumption has changed after the Covid pandemic. The market has become price sensitive, and the demand is for cheaper, lower quality cardamom. The total annual domestic consumption could have fallen to 25,000 tonnes from around 35,000 tonnes,’’ Babu said.

Though the prices are at remunerative levels for the growers, they cannot take advantage of it as most of them are left with hardly any stock. Since the prices hit record levels in 2019, cardamom cultivation has spread to more areas in Idukki district as well as in Tamil Nadu. The curry masala makers, who go for bulk quantities, bought some quantity when it was cheaper.

In the last three years cardamom prices have been averaging around Rs 1,000 per kg. Given the rise in the production cost, the growers can reap benefits only if the prices go above Rs 1,200 per kg.

``Apart from the decline in consumption there is also the risk of Guatemalan cardamom entering the Indian market towards the end of the year, which could impact domestic prices’’ pointed out P C Punnoose, CEO of Kerala Cardamom Processing & Marketing Co. Ltd. Gautemala is the biggest cardamom producer in the world and last year the country’s production was higher at around 45,000 tonnes, which helped it to dominate the export market.

Guatemalan harvest usually begins around October.

India’s export of cardamom too declined last year owing to the onslaught of Guatemalan cardamom. Cardamom exports in 2022-23 showed a 30 percent slump in quantity to 7,352 tonnes and a 36 percent drop in earnings year-on-year to Rs 875 crore. In 2021-22, cardamom export had reached a new peak of 10,572 tonnes valued at Rs 1,375 crore.

Importers in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are asking why India has suddenly increased the price. The prices are around $ 31 per kg. Even at $19 per kg earlier, we were not finding too many takers in the world market,’’ said Nithyanandan, partner of SPG Ramaswamy Nadar and Sons, a leading exporter.

Once Guatemala enters the world market after October, it will be able to sell at a cheaper rate than India. Thus, India could end up losing the Gulf market, the largest buyers of cardamom, to Guatemala.

Further, failure of monsoon rains could push cardamom prices to a higher level, hitting both domestic consumption and export.

PK KRISHNAKUMAR is a journalist based in Kochi.

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/economy/agriculture/scanty-rainfall-hits-cardamom-production-prices-set-to-spiral-to-record-levels-11197301.html

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 prices fall on weak demand, exports may receive a boost

Cardamom prices are down from around Rs 1,000 per kg to Rs 750 to 850 per kg. The market expects the rates to decline further with a new harvest season round the corner

 PK KRISHNAKUMAR JUNE 14, 2022 / 06:33 PM IST

Robust production and tepid demand have caused prices of cardamom to decline, raising concern among growers. Small cardamom prices have fallen by over 20 percent in the last few weeks.

As cardamom growers fret over the plummeting prices, exporters reckon the low prices will boost India’s competitive edge in the global market and help them to match the record shipments of the last financial year.

Weak demand, both in the domestic market and overseas, has pushed down the cardamom prices from around Rs 1,000 per kg to Rs 750 to 850 per kg. The market expects the rates to decline further with a new harvest season round the corner.

Exports of the spice fetched all-time-high volumes and earnings in 2021-22, according to the latest figures of the Spices Board. The country exported 10,572 tonnes of cardamom worth Rs 1,375.70 crore in the year. The volumes were higher by 63 percent and value by 25 percent over the previous year.

UAE overtakes Saudi Arabia

The record exports were achieved despite Saudi Arabia imposing stringent rules on pesticide residues. Until a couple of years ago, Saudi Arabia used to be the biggest buyer of Indian cardamom. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now overtaken Saudi Arabia in cardamom purchases.

According to the available statistics for 2020-21, the UAE purchased 1,724 tonnes of Indian cardamom compared to 842 tonnes by Saudi Arabia.

“The exports have spread to many other countries. Besides other Gulf countries, Bangladesh has also emerged as a big buyer,’’ said Anjo Jose, executive director of Mas Enterprises, a major exporter.

Even going by the 2020-21 data, exports to countries like the US, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Canada, Singapore and Qatar have increased significantly over the previous year. This is expected to go up further in FY22 as shipments have risen sharply.

Competition from Guatemala

Although cardamom from Gautemala, the largest producer of the spice, is cheaper than the Indian variety, many buyers are going for the superior quality of the latter.

“Buyers have come to recognize the premium quality of Alleppey green bold cardamom. Indian cardamom at $14-15 per kg is around $3 higher than the Gautemalan variety,” said Hemen Ruparel, chief executive of Samex Agency, another exporter.

But presently there is a shortage of good quality export cardamom in the Indian market, which has led to the dominance of Guatemalan cardamom in global trade.

“Exporters are waiting to buy fresh stock in the new harvest season, which is expected to be in full swing by July-August,’’ Jose said.

Growers complain that climate vagaries are affecting the production quality of cardamom, grown mostly in Kerala and a few regions of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

“Pest menace has gone up. The chemicals we had used earlier are banned now and the new ones that are approved are not effective in controlling it. As a result, the quality of production is coming down,” said K S Mathew, a major grower.

Production in 2021-22 is estimated at over 25,000 tonnes compared to 22,520 tonnes in the previous year. The surplus production has come from new growers and non-traditional areas.

“While the big estates get hardly 300 kg an acre, the small ones are able to get almost double the quantity,” said M M Lambodharan, general secretary of the Spices Planters Association.

Weak demand from the North Indian markets and with exporters waiting for the new season, cardamom prices have become non-remunerative for the growers.

“The growers need Rs 1,200 per kg to break even considering the increasing cost of fertilizer and pesticides. Though the growing regions received copious rains in May, extreme heat this month is causing the plants to wilt. At this rate, the crop could be short by 40 percent in the next harvest," Lambodharan said.

Earlier during the year, when cardamom prices fell below Rs 800 per kg, the Spices Board implemented new steps restricting the total quantity per auction for a licensed auctioneer to 65 tonnes.

Of this, growers were allowed 70 percent of the share while the quota for licensed dealers was limited to 30 percent. This was to check the re-pooling of cardamom by dealers at auctions, which the growers said was leading to a price fall. But that was in force only for over a month and was relaxed when the prices rallied.

PK KRISHNAKUMAR is a journalist based in Kochi.

-

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/cardamom-prices-fall-on-weak-demand-exports-may-receive-a-boost-8686031.html

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CARDAMOM GUATEMALA - UNUSUAL BAD WEATHER PUSHES PRICES UP

 

During November, ETA & IOTA Hurricanes hit Central America (Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and el Salvador).  In Guatemala, the biggest impact was in the North Region, including Alta Verapaz, Izabal, Quiche and Huehuetenango, states, which are the most important regions of Cardamom in Guatemala.

 

These hurricanes caused floods, landslides, road damages, infrastructure damages in the rural and urban areas, Cardamom, Coffee, Corn, Beans and other crops plantations suffered serious damages; cardamom prices behavior for the rest of the season are difficult to determine. The first estimations done in August 2020 at the beginning of 2020-2021 Crop, had shown around 10%-20% more production in comparison with 2019-2020 crop. However, based on the preliminary reports after ETA & IOTA hurricanes, the total volume of 2020-2021 crop could be the same as 2019-2020 crop.

 

During the upcoming weeks it will be possible to have more data, because up to today there are still roads damaged without access due to landslides, there are still areas under water, and some rivers until now have started to return to their normal levels.  

 

We are on the peak of the harvest season, which is about to end, however, prices have remain firm at high levels.

INDIA:Subdued buying dampens festive spirit in cardamom trade

 



Kochi September 22, 2020

Restrictions on weddings and public events, dwindling demand in the north Indian markets, stagnant export markets hit traders

Despite the ensuing festival season, subdued buying of cardamom from upcountry markets has pushed the trading community in a precarious situation.
“What is happening now is only minimal trade with some specific orders which is not enough to tide over the crisis triggered by the pandemic,” sources in the sector told BusinessLine. The high labour cost and shortage of migrant labour from Theni due to Covid-19 restrictions has forced growers in Idukki to depend on labour that’s available in Kerala, which has increased costs by around 30 per cent, the sources said.

“September and October are considered a good time for a demand boost for cardamom from North Indian consuming markets. But the spread of Covid-19 has hit consumption due to restrictions on weddings, events, etc. Traders are in a dilemma on the dwindling demand, coupled with a stagnant export market due to the pesticide issue in Saudi Arabia,” PC Punnoose, CEO, CPMCS Ltd, said.
The labour shortage is affecting the harvest in Idukki, where 90 per cent of the country’s cardamom is grown. The delay is impacting the quality of capsules which now looks pale yellow in colour instead of flush green. Moreover, movement restrictions on labour affected the upkeep of plantations, as 40 per cent of cardamom plantations in Idukki are owned by farmers from the neighbouring state, he said.

As cardamom plantations are labour intensive, C Sadasivasubramaniam, Secretary, Kerala Cardamom Growers Association, urged the district administration to permit workers to travel from the borders to Idukki. The major threat to plants is the Azhukal disease that requires anti-fungal treatment. “When Kerala government permits free movement of workers through other district borders, why is the district administration in Idukki so adamant in denying such benefits here?” he asked.
“Cardamom capsules has to be plucked at 40-day intervals and any delay can lead to quality reduction, breaking of capsules and less setting for future rounds,” SB Prabhakar, cardamom planter, Pambadampara Estate, said.

The reduced demand in north Indian markets is contributing to a fall in prices; it dropped to ₹1,460 per kg, half of the previous year’s average. Copious amounts of rains in September in growing areas added to the bearish sentiment, he added.

Guatemala is expecting a good crop this season due to ideal weather and the prices are hovering at around $17. As prices in India have come down, the sector could export more to the Gulf nations, including Saudi, after resolving the pending issues, he said.
The auctioneers pointed out that the market is witnessing selling pressure as farmers are liquidating their stocks at auctions fearing a further price drop.

V Sajeev Kuma for:
www.thehindubusinessline.com

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
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V.Sajeev Kumar, Kochi, | For The HinduBusinessLine.com
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Cardamom's aroma to fade away as prices may fall 25%

Thursday, Jul 9

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI – Cardamom has been a favourite of traders up until now as it has been fetching higher prices ever since the heavy rainfall and flood in Kerala two years ago. But now with likely higher production and the COVID-19 pandemic hitting demand, cardamom growers are starting to get worried as prices are expected to fall by 25-30%.

The floods in August 2018 swept away a large chunk of cardamom plantations in Kerala, driving average prices up to a record high of 4,733 rupees per kg at the spot auctions that year. A year later, prices skyrocketed to a high of 7,000 rupees. Since then, prices have remained in a range of 1,500-3,800 rupees, against the normal range of 900-1,100 rupees.

Currently, the average price of small cardamom at the auctions is 1,500-1,600 rupees per kg.

"A higher estimated production for 2020-21 (Jul-Jun) and tepid demand due to the virulent pandemic is likely to lead to a fall in prices to around 1,000 rupees during the peak picking season," said Nishanth Varghese, manager-operations at Kochi-based Kancor Ingredients Ltd.

Traders see cardamom production in the next season at 22,000-23,000 tn, against 16,000 tn in 2019-20. However, the Spices Board of India has pegged the country's 2019-20 output at a much lower 11,230 tn.

"Major consuming centres like Delhi, Kanpur, Mumbai and Tamil Nadu are badly affected by COVID-19 so consumer demand is less. The overall consumption has also fallen because of low spending capacity, not everyone can afford it nor is it an essential item," said P.C. Punnose, chief executive officer of The Cardamom Planters Marketing Cooperative Society.

During the lockdown period, 70-75% of traders lost considerable amount of money. They had stocked up in anticipation of a further rise in prices but the pandemic has unfortunately prolonged, said Punnose.

On the trade front, buyers are in a wait-and-watch mode before making bulk purchases, fearing lower returns.

"...market players do not want to invest because the level of uncertainty following the COVID-19 outbreak is very high... prices are expected to be around 1,200 rupees in coming months," said Hemen Ruparel of Mumbai-based exporter Samex India Pvt Ltd.

Though the overall outlook for the commodity is seen bearish, likely fall in supply during the peak season and any adverse weather in the coming months would stabilise the prices, traders said.

Even though the crop condition looks good so far, fear of excess and continuous rains over the coming months may have a negative impact on the crop which is near its picking period, and this may lead to downgrade of qualitative and quantitative estimates, said Varghese.

Currently, the first round of picking has started in Kerala and new crop of cardamom is arriving in small quantities at auctions. The quantity will increase in August and the second round of picking will start in September.

"Rains have just started two days ago. It's late by over a month. Cardamom needs rain... it's the main important factor. Dams, rivers are not getting filled. We genuinely have to wait till August to be sure. Crop is expected to be good but again if heavy rains occur, there will be damage," said Anjo T. Jose, executive director of Mas Enterprises.

After markets reopened and auctions resumed, stockists started offloading old stocks and are holding only 15-20% of carryover stocks from the previous season.

Although traders have made space for the new season's crop, they will also look for opportunities to make the most of a good turn in prices, if that happens.

"If prices fall more and there is some unexpected weather adversity, then we will hold stocks and wait for prices to rise," said Joseph Kattakkayam, a grower based in south India.

Being a labour-intensive crop, movement of migrant labourers to their hometowns has become another cause of headache for planters. Labourers from Tamil Nadu might also not come due to inter-state travel restrictions. This may lead to restricted arrivals during Aug-Sep, the peak harvest season, traders said.

On the flip side, this could be good news for consumers, especially for lower income households, as the aromatic spice may finally become affordable this festival season. 

By Preeti Bhagat and Kavita Desai
Edited by Maheswaran Parameswaran
http://www.cogencis.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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