The current average price of Cardamom in India ranges between ₹2,400 - ₹2,400/Kg, based on the variety & mandi.
Cardamom, popularly known as Elaichi and often referred to as the “Queen of Spices”, is one of the most valuable spice crops cultivated in India. It is prized for its aroma, flavour, and extensive use in food, beverages, traditional medicine, and confectionery. Cardamom is a perennial crop, beginning to bear fruit two to three years after planting, with capsules maturing at regular intervals that require multiple pickings each season.
Given its high value and limited growing regions, movements in the cardamom market price today are closely monitored by farmers, traders, exporters, and institutional buyers. Changes in production, quality, and global supply conditions directly influence the cardamom market price in India and overall trade sentiment.
Scientific Name: Elettaria cardamomum (Small Cardamom)
Family: Zingiberaceae
India produces both small cardamom and large cardamom, with small cardamom accounting for the majority of domestic output. Small cardamom is primarily grown in southern India, while large cardamom is cultivated in eastern states.
Global cardamom production is estimated at 65,000–70,000 metric tons, with Guatemala being the largest producer, contributing nearly half of global output. India ranks as the second-largest producer and the largest consumer, with annual domestic consumption of around 20,000–21,000 metric tons.
In India, small cardamom production is concentrated in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, which together account for more than 80% of total output. Kerala holds the largest share in both area and production, supported by favourable climatic conditions. Large cardamom production, estimated at 4,000–5,000 metric tons, is mainly concentrated in Sikkim and West Bengal. The elaichi market price in India reflects the premium that Indian cardamom gets globally.
Production volumes and quality from these regions play a decisive role in shaping the cardamom commodity price and mandi-level trends.
Cardamom thrives in humid, shaded environments with well-distributed rainfall. As a perennial plantation crop, fluctuations in acreage are limited, but yields vary depending on weather conditions, plant health, and management practices. Any weather disturbances could cause the cardamom market rate today to fall.
Cardamom has diverse applications:
Culinary: Used in sweets, beverages, savoury dishes, and spice blends
Medicinal: Used in Ayurveda for digestion and respiratory health
Beverages: Widely used in tea, coffee, and flavoured drinks
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic: Used for flavouring and aroma
Steady domestic consumption supports long-term trends in the cardamom price in commodity market.
Despite being a major consumer, India exports approximately 4,500 metric tons of cardamom annually. Asian countries account for nearly 90% of exports, with Saudi Arabia being the largest destination, followed by UAE, Iran, and Pakistan. Export activity is highest between August and December, with exporters typically building stocks from June onwards.
India also imports 4,000–5,000 metric tons of cardamom annually to balance domestic demand and supply. Nepal is the largest supplier, followed by Guatemala and Sri Lanka. Import arrivals, particularly during the post-harvest period, influence the cardamom current market price.
Cardamom prices typically soften during periods of fresh harvest and increased imports. Price firmness is often observed during lean months when arrivals slow and export demand strengthens.
As a result, cardamom mandi price and wholesale trade values fluctuate based on harvest intensity, export activity, and quality availability. Premium grades with higher aroma and capsule size command higher cardamom wholesale price in the market.
For traders, exporters, and institutional buyers, tracking the cardamom market price today is essential for procurement planning and inventory management. Cardamom remains one of India’s highest-value spice commodities, closely linking plantation agriculture with global spice trade.