SANKHUWASABHA: The price of black cardamom has increased in Sankhuwasabha this year, marking a turnaround after a decade-long decline. The current price has reached Rs 90,000 per mann (40 kg).
A decade ago, 40 kg of cardamom was priced around Rs 120,000, but it subsequently plummeted to Rs 25,000. According to Kumar Shrestha, Chair of the Black Cardamom Entrepreneurs Federation in Sankhuwasabha, the recent price surge is driven by rising international demand. Last year, the price ranged from Rs 60,000 to Rs 65,000 per mann.
Another factor contributing to the price increase is a decline in production. Black cardamom is a major cash crop for farmers in the eastern hilly and mountainous districts, including Sankhuwasabha, with approximately 98% of the produce being exported, primarily to India.
In the district, cardamom cultivation spans 2,871 hectares. Farmers report that many cardamom gardens contain aging plants, leading to reduced yields. Last year, production reached 940 metric tons, but this figure is expected to decrease this year.
(RSS)
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