Cardamom Price Today — April 20, 2026
India’s major auction centres report firm prices as export demand tightens supply across Kerala’s key trading hubs
Green cardamom prices across India’s major Kerala auction centres are holding firm this week, underpinned by persistent export demand and tightening arrivals. Here is a complete, data-driven breakdown of today’s rates and the market forces shaping them.
At a Glance — Today’s Prices
Auction Centre-Wise Price Breakdown
India’s Spices Board cardamom auctions recorded the following rates at major centres in the latest trading sessions of April 2026:
| Auction Centre | Max Price (₹/kg) | Avg Price (₹/kg) | Min Price (₹/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vandanmedu MAS Enterprises | ₹3,486 | ₹2,582 | ₹2,019 |
| Nedumkandam Header Systems | ₹3,014 | ₹2,458 | ₹1,804 |
| Kochi South Indian Green Cardamom Co. | ₹3,103 | ₹2,364 | ₹1,912 |
| Kumily Spice More Trading | ₹2,969 | ₹2,400 | ₹1,861 |
The peak auction price of ₹3,486/kg at Vandanmedu reflects continued competition among exporters for premium-grade lots. The average price range of ₹2,400–₹2,582/kg across centres signals a stable but firm market heading into the final weeks of April.
Why Are Cardamom Prices Staying Firm?
Export Demand Remains Strong
Buyers from the Gulf region — particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Pakistan — continue to place steady orders for premium-grade green cardamom. Pakistan alone accounts for a significant share of India’s re-export market, driven by heavy demand for biryani and traditional spice blends across South Asia.
Auction Arrivals Are Tightening
At Vandanmedu, out of 375 lots that arrived, 334 were sold — a sell-through rate of nearly 89%. This level of absorption indicates that buyers are actively competing for available stock. When arrivals fall but sell-through stays high, prices have structural support and rarely soften quickly.
Nepal Supply Does Not Compete Directly
While Nepal’s large (black) cardamom exports have surged over 62% this season, Nepal’s product serves a different culinary market from India’s small green cardamom. The two varieties do not substitute each other in most international recipes, leaving India’s green cardamom prices insulated from any Nepal supply increase.
Large Cardamom — India Mandi Rates
For large (black) cardamom traded at Indian mandi markets, prices as of mid-April 2026 are as follows. Large cardamom is primarily sourced from Nepal and Sikkim and trades through North Indian mandi networks.
| Market | Grade | Price (₹/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Siliguri | Badadana (Bold) | ₹1,675 |
| Siliguri | Chotadana (Small) | ₹1,515 |
| Gangtok | Badadana (Bold) | ₹1,550 |
| Singtam | Badadana (Bold) | ₹1,600 |
| Singtam | Chotadana (Small) | ₹1,425 |
What Should Buyers Expect This Week?
Market analysts tracking the India cardamom sector suggest that prices are unlikely to fall significantly in the near term. The combination of tightening auction arrivals, active export buying, and firm grower sentiment points toward prices holding in the ₹2,400–₹2,700 range for standard grades through the remainder of April.
Buyers looking to secure stock for the coming weeks may find it advantageous to act sooner rather than waiting for a correction that may not materialise. Premium bold green pods above 7mm are commanding the highest premiums and are likely to remain the tightest segment of the market going into May.
Key Takeaways — April 20, 2026
- ✓Green cardamom average auction price: ₹2,400–₹2,582/kg across Kerala centres
- ✓Peak price recorded: ₹3,486/kg at Vandanmedu auction
- ✓Large cardamom bold grade (Siliguri): ₹1,675/kg
- ✓Market sentiment: Firm to stable — no significant correction expected
- ✓Export demand: Strong from Gulf, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan
- ✓Auction sell-through: 89% at Vandanmedu — buyers absorbing all available stock
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Data sources: India Spices Board auction records, Vandanmedu & Kumily market reports, Singtam and Siliguri mandi price data — April 2026. Prices are indicative and may vary by grade and lot quality.
