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G.K. Nair

KOCHI, Dec. 31

CARDAMOM prices increased on short supply at the major auction centres in Kerala and Tamil Nadu from last week end, especially of bold varieties. The price recovered to average Rs 579 on Monday from Rs 521 a week ago.

Prices of the graded varieties were AGEB Rs 675-685, AGB Rs 600-605, AGS Rs 570- 580 and AGS 1 Rs 560-565 per kg. The total sales through auctions during December 27-31 stood at only 34.5 tonnes at an average price of Rs 553 per kg. The maximum price of Rs 679 per kg was recorded at Bodinayakkanur on December 31 while the lowest Rs 380 at Vandanmedu on December 28. Exporters as well as upcountry buyers are active in the market.

There is a good demand for superior bold variety. But the arrival of this variety has dropped substantially. Exporters said they were getting good enquiries from overseas markets for AGEB but were unable to make any commitments for want of assured availability of this bold variety. Exports during December are estimated at 40 tonnes. Upcountry buyers, especially from Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad, are also looking for the bold and medium varieties and are facing the same problem.

During the current season up to December 31, a total quantity of 2,030 tonnes at an average price of Rs 597 per kg was sold through auctions in these two states as against 2,800 tonnes at the average price of Rs 552 in the corresponding period last year. The stock held by growers and traders this season was also estimated to be less than 1,000 tonnes as against around 2,000 tonnes last season.

In overseas markets, the demand for Indian cardamom is good at present because of its superior quality over its competitor. According to Spices Board sources here, the harvest in Guatemala has been delayed and the crop is estimated to be somewhere between 9,000 and 10,000 tonnes as against their usual production of 14,000 tonnes. Besides, there is significant fall in quality.

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