Impressive Growth Trend in Whole Cardamom Exports Continues

17-Jul-2026 06:00 PM

New Delhi: Data from the Union Ministry of Commerce reveals a remarkable surge in whole cardamom exports over the past three years, with volumes more than doubling and earnings more than tripling. Exports of whole cardamom stood at 7,083 tonnes in the 2023-24 fiscal year, rising to 7,674 tonnes in 2024-25 and then surging to a peak of 16,399 tonnes in 2025-26. Similarly, export earnings jumped from $131.9 million in 2023-24 to $436.8 million in 2025-26. Earnings from whole cardamom exports amounted to $201.2 million during the 2024-25 fiscal year.

According to official sources, the massive increase in cardamom exports clearly indicates strong global demand and high preference in importing nations. Indian cardamom is of premium quality, which commands a higher price. Countries in the Gulf region, in particular, prioritize purchasing it due to its superior aroma, high quality, and absolute purity. In contrast, cardamom from Guatemala is of inferior quality.

Major importers of Indian cardamom include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iraq, Kuwait, and Malaysia. Additionally, countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, Egypt, and Iran also import significant quantities.

India produces abundant quantities of both varieties of cardamom: small (green) and large (black). Small (or green) cardamom is primarily produced in the southern part of the Western Ghats (Kerala and Tamil Nadu), whereas large (or black) cardamom is produced in the sub-Himalayan regions of Northeast India—specifically Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam, and the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.

Kerala alone accounts for approximately 56–58 percent of the country's cardamom production, remaining the leading producer state; Idukki, Wayanad, and Palakkad are the key producing districts within the state.