G.K. Nair

Kochi , Dec. 13

JAPAN continues to remain a major market for Indian cardamom (small) with a consistent import of over 200 tonnes every year.

However, Saudi Arabia is the top importer of the aromatic spice with annual shipments of 270-495 tonnes. While the demand from other markets depends on the availability from other origins such as Guatemala — the major producer, Japan prefers the Indian produce. Though India exports cardamom to 62 countries, these two countries are the major buyers. Most of the overseas buyers reduce their imports from India when the produce is available at low prices from other origins. Indian cardamom exports have been dwindling, hovering at 600-1,550 tonnes. From 476.25 tonnes in 1998-99, cardamom exports moved up to 676 tonnes in 1999-2000. But when the supply from other origins declined the shipments went up to 1,545 tonnes valued at Rs 84.68 crore in 2000-01 and 1,031 tonnes valued at Rs 61.68 crore the following year. Consequently the unit value realisation also moved up. The highest unit value of Rs 690.24 a kg was realised in 2002-03 while it was Rs 598.23 and Rs 548.09 a kg in 2001-02 and 2000-01 respectively.

Japanese demand is mainly for the medium variety (AGS), which is used in the manufacture of curry powder. The industry in Japan has standardised the flavour profile for curry powders based on the superior quality of the Indian cardamom. "Our cardamom has strong and pleasant aroma besides having high oil content," Spices Board sources told Business Line. Japan also imports superior grade AGEB for retail sales as cardamom capsules, they said.

Increased availability owing to a bumper crop this year has pushed down cardamom prices in the country. The average price has dropped to around Rs 230 a kg, as against over Rs 300 a kg last year. The production this year, according to statistics compiled by the Upasi, is estimated at 12,735 tonnes in 2005 - 06 (July-Aug) as against 11,415 tonnes last season.

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