Small cardamom loses aroma on decline in quality

The market for small cardamom was marginally easier on Monday on decline in quality and also due to the end of Pongal purchases which had kept the markets firm last week .

At the Cardamom Planters' Association (CPA) auction held in Bodinayakannur on Monday, the average price declined. Out of the 45 tonnes that arrived, 42 tonnes were traded with the highest price at ₹1,155 a kg. The auction average dropped to ₹939.08 a kg against ₹965.49 a kg.

Lack of carry forward stocks in the upcountry markets has led to active buying by domestic dealers last week. Similarly, exporters were also actively covering, PC Punnoose, Managing Director, CPMC told Business Line.

Exporters are said to have bought an estimated 150 tonnes last week.