Cardamom prices rise to Rs. 88,000 per man in Taplejung

By Chandra Pandak

Taplejung, Oct. 26: Cardamom prices in Taplejung have surged to Rs. 88,000 per man (40 kg) following the Dashain festival. 

Prior to Dashain, the spice was trading at Rs. 80,000 per man, but prices have steadily increased over the past week and a half.

Local traders report brisk business at this rate, with high-quality cardamom grains fetching more than Rs.95,000 per man. Kamal Baral, a businessman in Phungling Bazaar, noted that the price has risen by Rs.1,000–2,000 per day over the past ten days.

Since Nepali month Bhadra, cardamom initially traded at Rs. 88,000 per man, but prices dipped to Rs. 80,000 by Aswin.

After Dashain, prices started rising again, reaching Rs. 88,000 per man, bringing hope to farmers and traders.

Local traders explained that international market rates largely influence domestic cardamom prices, causing fluctuations in the local market.

Cardamom is cultivated widely in Taplejung, covering 4,165 hectares across nine local units, except for Phaktanglung-7, Olanchungola. 

According to the Agricultural Knowledge Centre, Taplejung, last year’s production of cardamom reached 2,531 metric tonnes,