(HS Code 090830)

Introduction: Large Cardamom is an important export cash crop which falls under as spices crop.  Its seed pods have a strong, camphor-like flavor, with a smoky character derived from the method of drying.

Cultivation: Started from Ilam district of Nepal and spread over mid-hill of 765 m to 1675 m above sea-level in 51 districts of Nepal.

House-holds in Cultivation/Processing: Over 80,000 HH

Area of Cultivation: Over 16,000 Ha of land

Estimated Production: Over 6440 M.Tons (Source: MOALD, 2019)

Top 3 Producers in the World: Nepal (52% share), India (37% share) and Bhutan (11% share).

Productivity: 500 Kg/Ha, which is far below the world average yield (India,2000kg/Ha).

Local Varieties: Ramsai (1500 m),Golsai (1300 m),Saune (1300-1500 m),Bharlange (1500m),Chibesai (700-1800 m),Jirmale (700-1000 m),Dambarsai (700-1200 m),Ramala (700-1200m),Kantidar (800-1300 m) & Seremna (less produced)

Production Flow-chart:

1.  Land Selection and Preparaton
2.  Nursery Management
3.  Propagation
4. Plantation
5.  Inter-Culture/Shade
6.  Disease Control
7.  Harvesting
8.  Processing

Processing: 1: Curing and Segregating; 2: Drying: 3: Quality determination: 4: Tails cutting and
Packing:

Uses: Culinary use: Pods – as a spice

Medical Uses: i. Traditional Chinese medicine - stomach disorders and malaria. ii. Traditional
medicine of India, decoction of Amomum subulatum rhizomes - the therapy of jaundice.

Production:

Expert Data:

World Import in 2019 - 794 Million USD (Including small cardamom)

5 Year Average Growth :- 16.5 %

Potential Markets for Nepal :- India, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan