According to farmers, price of cardamom has reached Rs 100,000 per man (40 kg) or Rs 2,500 per kg. They also said they have not faced any problem in exporting the cash crop to India so far despite border obstruction. Lack of transportation service, however, has affected cardamom trading, they added.
"The price of quality cardamom has already reached Rs 100,000 per man. However, transportation problem has affected the trade," Narendra Adhikari, president of Cardamom Entrepreneurs' Association of Panchthar, told Republica. "The price had reached Rs 115,000 per man last year. The price that we are getting at start of the season is very good," he added.
The eastern hilly region accounts for majority of cardamom produced in the country. This cash is exported to India through Biratnagar - the commercial hub of the eastern region. It also reaches various international markets including Gulf countries and Pakistan through India under Nepali trademark.
Farmers say the unrest in Tarai districts and Indian blockade has not affected price of cardamom. Price in the export market determines cardamom price, they said.
Price of cardamom differs as per the quality. Cardamom of finest quality is fetching around Rs 100,000 per man, according to farmers.
"At a time when the economic blockade and Tarai unrest has taken toll on businesses, farmers are making good income through cardamom," Deepak Nepal, senior vice president of Cardamom Entrepreneurs' Association of Nepal, told Republica. "Cardamom is being exported to India under police escort. There is no problem at all."
Local farmers are hoping of getting even better price for their produce in the coming days as cardamom season goes a bit longer.
Cardamom is produced in more than 36 districts, including Panchthar, Taplejung, Ilam, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum and Dhankuta, in eastern hills.
Sale of cardamom is lower than production as local farmers are holding on to the produce in anticipation of better prices. According to District Agricultural Development Office, Panchthar, a total of 725.41 tons of cardamom was produced in the district which is 16 percent higher than the production of last year. Cardamom productivity is 0.37 ton per hectare in the district, according to the office.
Related story
Farmers worried as cardamom prices fall
