Nepal earns record Rs12 billion from large cardamom exports
Summary
Nepal's large cardamom exports reached a record Rs12 billion in value despite stable export volumes, driven by high prices and strong demand primarily from India and re-exports to the Middle East and Pakistan.
Key Points
- Nepal exported 6,034 tonnes of large cardamom worth Rs12.01 billion in the first 11 months of the fiscal year, the highest export value ever recorded.
- India is the dominant buyer, absorbing roughly 99% of Nepal's cardamom exports, which are then re-exported to Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries.
- Nepal's average cardamom productivity is significantly lower than India's, with productivity challenges persisting despite export growth.
- Trade reports recommend improving logistics, processing, and direct market access to enhance Nepal's export earnings and reduce dependence on Indian intermediaries.
