The Hindu Business Line : Cardamom prices recover on low arrivals

Kochi, Feb. 8 The cardamom prices after a fall last week recovered marginally during the week at auctions held in Kerala and Tamil Nadu on thin arrivals and buying support.

Total arrivals during the current season up to February 6 fell by 1,826 tonnes to 3,553 tonnes compared to the previous corresponding period.. Consequently, sales have also fallen by 1,632 tonnes to 3,316 tonnes. The weighted average price increased by Rs 180.29 a kg during the current season to Rs 478.04 a kg.

At the STCL auction on Thursday in Bodinayakannur, the arrivals stood at 16 tonnes, of which 14 tonnes were sold. The maximum price was Rs 656 a kg and the minimum Rs 239.50 a kg. The individual average price was Rs 604.83 a kg.

Arrivals at the Cardamom Processing and Marketing Company (CPMC) auction on Wednesday at Vanndanmettu were at 25 tonnes and the entire quantity was sold out. The average price was Rs 619. Arrivals at other auctions except on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday were below 8 tonnes.

Maximum price at the auction was Rs 703 a kg and minimum Rs 468.50 a kg. Current bulk was being sold at Rs 640-Rs 650 a kg, Mr P.C. Punnoose, General Manager, CPMC, told Business Line. Delhi-based buyers, who had been silent during the past couple of weeks, were active and buying, he said. Exporters bought 1.5 tonnes. Prices of graded varieties as on February 2 were AGEB Rs 740-Rs 750, AGB Rs 670- Rs 680, AGS Rs 650-Rs 660 and AGS 1 Rs 620-Rs 630 a kg.

In Bodinayakannur local market, the prices on Thursday were AGEB Rs 720 – Rs 730, AGB Rs 650 – Rs 660, AGS Rs 630 – Rs 640 and AGS 1 Rs 600 – Rs 610. Bulk was fetching Rs 640 – Rs 720 a kg.

The growing areas are shrouded by clouds and if it rains in the coming days the prices are expected to dip by at least Rs 20 a kg.

More Stories on : Spices & Condiments

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page