The Hindu Business Line : Cardamom prices improve a tad

Prices of the graded varieties were: AGEB (Rs 300-Rs 310), AGB (Rs 215-Rs 220), AGS RS195 - Rs 200 and AGS1 (Rs 185-Rs 195) a kg. Meanwhile, the prices in the local market in Bodinayakannur on Friday were AGEB Rs 300-Rs310, AGB Rs 200-Rs 210, AGS Rs190-Rs 200 and AGS 1 Rs180-Rs190 a kg. Bulk was sold at Rs 200-Rs 240 a kg.

Total arrivals during the current season up to February 15 stood at 6,735 tonnes as against 3,699 tonnes during the same period last year. While the sales were up at 6,303 tonnes from 3,427 tonnes last season.

Weighted average price remained almost static at Rs 221.47 a kg as against Rs 305.57 a kg in 2004-05. At the auction during the week, both domestic and export buyers were active.

Arrivals at the Cardamom Processing and Marketing Company (CPMC) at Kumily on Wednesday stood at 50 tonnes and almost the entire quantity was sold out, Mr P.C. Punnoose, General Manager, CPMC told Business Line. He said there was good demand for bold varieties (8mm and 7mm above) and the prices were up by Rs 5 to Rs 8 a kg.

The 8mm bold variety was in short supply. Only 500 kg was available. Hence it fetched the maximum price of Rs 440 a kg. 7.5 mm was sold at Rs 325-Rs 350 a kg, while current bulk at Rs 210-Rs 225 and sick varieties at Rs 165-Rs 180 a kg.

He said on Wednesday, exporters bought 12 tonnes of cardamom.

According to official sources, exports in January last from Kerala and Tamil Nadu region were estimated at 77 tonnes and an equal quantity is expected to be shipped this month.

The weather conditions are becoming unfavourable, as there have not been any summer showers so far this year. The growing areas received regular summer rains last year after a long time, some of the growers in Kumily said. Hence, "we have a good crop this year". But, if the summer rains failed then the next crop would be affected.

The prices this year, they said, have not been remunerative. However, the good yield has, to some extent, compensated. "But anything below Rs 300 a kg is not remunerative," they claimed.