Sector 05
Cardamom
Small cardamom is scientifically classified as Elettaria cardamomum and belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Cardamom is native to the evergreen forests of South India.
It is one of the world's oldest known spices. Cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world, after saffron and vanilla.
The three major natural varieties of small cardamom are Malabar, Mysore, and Vazhuka (a natural hybrid).
Sector Summary
- Karnataka’s cardamom production is estimated to increase by 4% to 902 tonnes, raising its share of national production to 4.4%, while production in the rest of India is expected to decline by 18%.
- National cardamom production is projected to fall to 20,696 tonnes, primarily due to adverse weather conditions affecting crop yields.
- Karnataka accounts for 25,135 hectares of India’s 70,410 hectares under cardamom cultivation, making it an important producing state.
- Cardamom exports remained relatively stable at 6,728 tonnes in 2024–25, despite lower overall domestic production.
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