Nepal’s cardamom exports have declined by 3.2% in the fiscal year 2081/82 compared to the previous year, even though prices remained favorable.
In this fiscal year, the price of cardamom started at Rs. 80,000 per 40kg (one man) and peaked at Rs. 112,000. Despite these strong prices, total revenue from exports fell short.
Export Volume and Value Decrease
According to data from Mechi Customs Office, Kakarbhitta:
- In FY 2080/81, Nepal exported cardamom worth Rs. 7.93 billion to India.
- In FY 2081/82, the figure dropped to Rs. 7.67 billion, marking a decline of Rs. 256.8 million.
In terms of quantity:
- Last year: 5.09 million kg
- This year: 4.29 million kg
Reasons Behind the Drop
Chairman of the Cardamom Entrepreneurs Association, Nirmal Bhattarai, said the decline was mainly due to lower production. As a result, both quantity and total earnings went down.
Nepal exports about 98% of its cardamom to India, mostly through Mechi Customs Office, with smaller volumes going through Birgunj.
