Cardamom Rate Increases On Thin Supply

Kochi: Prices of all grades of cardamom increased on thin arrivals at auctions held in Kerala and Tamil Nadu during the week. The total arrivals as on April 17 during the current season showed a fell of 1,084 tonnes to 7,174 tonnes from 8,258 tonnes during the corresponding period last season. Consequently, the sales fell by 1,112 tonnes to 6,603 tonnes from 7,715 tonnes during the previous season. The current arrivals are from the carryover stock of the large growers and traders who are releasing small quantities. The market was really hot on April 18, as the prices of all grades of cardamom increased by around Rs 20 a kg. Bold capsule (8 mm) was fetching Rs 550 a kg while 7.5 mm and 7 mm Rs 450-500 and Rs 400 - 450 a kg respectively. The current bulk was sold at Rs 380 a kg. The average prices continued its upward trend in the auctions. At the KCPMC auction in Kumily on April 15, it moved up to Rs 360.30 a kg. At the CPA auction in Bodinayakannur on April 16, the average price was at Rs 358.70 while at Header Systems auction in Nedumkandam, it increased to Rs 389.57 a kg and on April 18 at CPMC auction in Kumily, it stood at Rs 398.95 a kg. The prices of graded varieties as on April 14 were AGEB Rs 445 - 465, AGB Rs 380 - 390, AGS Rs 365 - 375 and AGS 1 Rs 330 - 340 a kg. Local market prices were AGEB Rs 440 - 450, AGB Rs 370 - 380, AGS Rs 360 - 370 and AGS 1 Rs 320 - 330. Current bulk was fetching Rs 350 - 400 a kg.