The Hindu Business Line : Cardamom prices rule steady

Exporters as well as buyers from North India were active, as the prices of all the varieties remained low. Exporters bought eight tonnes of cardamom at the auction held in Kumily on Monday.

Exports last month from Kerala and Tamil Nadu were estimated at 125 tonnes and it is expected to remain at this level this month, export sources said. Reports of crop damage in Guatemala appear to have resulted in increased enquiries and orders from overseas, they added.

Increased availability of superior varieties has pushed down the prices of even 8-mm bold (green) to Rs 390 a kg. This variety, which used to fetch up to Rs 1,000 a kg, was sold at Rs 391 in the Cardamom Processing and Marketing Company (CPMC) auction at Kumily on Wednesday.

Running bulk was sold at Rs 205-Rs 215 a kg. The maximum price at Kumily auction was Rs 391 and the minimum Rs 170 a kg.

According to Mr P. C. Punnoose, General Manager, CPMC, the prices are unlikely to improve due to heavy arrivals and that might continue because of the selling pressure, as majority of the growers who subsist on the crop have no facility to stock.

With conducive weather conditions throughout season, a bumper crop is likely this year. Prices of graded varieties were AGEB Rs 305- Rs 315; AGB Rs 225 - Rs 235; AGS Rs 215 - Rs 225, and AGS 1 Rs 195 - Rs 205 a kg.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page