Improved Cardamom Production Expected in 2025-26 Due to Favorable Weather

20-May-2026 08:23 PM

Idukki: Thanks to largely favorable weather conditions and diligent maintenance of plantations by growers, the total domestic production of small cardamom is projected to rise to between 35,000 and 37,000 tonnes during the 2025-26 marketing season. The harvesting and processing of the current crop have largely concluded, although minor harvesting activity is expected to continue in some pockets until June.

Domestic market prices for cardamom remain largely firm. Harvesting and processing for the next crop are scheduled to commence in July or August. The heatwave experienced during April and May is considered to have posed a significant threat to the cardamom crop. Expectations were high for substantial pre-monsoon rainfall; however, the crop's condition improved significantly following good rainfall in the major cardamom-

producing regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu during the early days of the current month. If the Southwest Monsoon arrives in Kerala on May 26—in line with the Meteorological Department's forecast—and rainfall conditions remain favorable, the overall health of the cardamom crop is expected to improve substantially. Currently, the crop's condition is reported to be normal and satisfactory.

In the Middle East, cardamom export trade was temporarily disrupted during the initial stages due to the conflict between Iran and the United States; however, operations have now largely returned to normalcy.

Demand for Indian cardamom in the Gulf region has strengthened significantly due to a decline in supplies from Guatemala. It would come as no surprise if domestic cardamom production were to rise to approximately 40,000 tonnes during the 2026-27 season.