The Hindu Business Line : Cardamom stays firm on export buying

Export buying has shown a rise ever since the Spices Board extended airfreight assistance to exporters for purchases made through auctions from October 16. This facility, which was available only up to November 30 at Rs 30 per kg, has now been extended to December 31 and the amount has been raised to Rs 45 a kg.

According to official sources, consequent to this decision export buying from October 16 to December 8 stood at over 140 tonnes as against an estimated 80 - 90 tonnes in the same period last year.

Arrivals have also picked up. Arrivals during October 16-December 8 stood at 1,339 tonnes (1,179 tonnes).

Total arrivals during the current season up to December 8 stood at 2,574 tonnes (2,289 tonnes). The sales this season went up to 2,422 tonnes from 2,103 tonnes. The weighted average price this season is Rs 302.08 (Rs 392.06 a kg).

Prices of graded varieties last weekend were: AGEB Rs 365 - 375, AGB Rs 295 - 305, AGS Rs 280 - 290 and AGS1 Rs 260 - 270 a kg. Prices of these varieties have shown an increase of Rs 5-10 a kg in the auctions held this week, especially on Wednesday, at Kumily and on Thursday at Bodinayakannur, trading sources at both the centres told Business Line. Arrivals at Kumily and Bodi were 56 tonnes and 11 tonnes respectively.

They said up-country buyers were also active. They seem to have exhausted their stocks during the last festival season and, hence, are replenishing their inventories, they added.

The favourable weather conditions prevailing in the growing areas indicate of good crop, they added.