The Hindu Business Line : Cardamom prices may fall

CARDAMOM growers expect the average price of cardamom in the new season beginning in August 2004 to fall to Rs 350 a kg from Rs 410 in the current season.

This is disclosed in the survey undertaken by The Planters' Chronicle published by the United Planters' Association of Southern India (UPASI).

This arises from the increased supply situation expected from the crop to be more than the current year's level of 6,750 tonnes. The survey projects the crop in 2006-07 when the Tenth plan ends to be 8,000 tonnes.

Growers said India could export only a small volume in the last few years because of the lack of export promotion, but they felt that the lost ground could be regained.

On pepper, the survey projected the 2004-05 crop at 60,000 tonnes against the current year's output of 60,000 tonnes.

The export was put at 20,000 tonnes - same as for the current year. The average wholesale price is also projected to remain the same - Rs 77 a kg.

The growers said the poor export performance arose because of the increase in the production of pepper in Vietnam at a cheaper cost. They also wanted the Government to peg a quantity cap on the import of pepper from Sri Lanka.

The survey listed generic promotion, export promotion and import monitoring as the thrust areas on which the Spices Board should concentrate.