Top 5 Largest Cardamom Producing States In India
Cardamom is a sweet, pungent, and aromatic spice made from seeds of many plants in the genera of Elettaria and Amomum of the family Zingiberaceae. Apparently, the plant originates from the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia. The use of cardamom dates back centuries for a lot of uses, such as in cooking and medicinal purposes. Cardamom is one of the versatile spices that can be used both in sweet and savory dishes in cooking uses. It is one of the major ingredients of a lot of Indian, Middle Eastern recipes that include curries, rice, spice blends like garam masala. Cardamom actually finds a place in Scandinavian baking, adding flair to pastries, breads, and sweetbreads.
Let us learn about the top 5 states of cardamom production in India.
1. Kerala:
Kerala is largest cardamom producing state in india. Kerala, famously called the "Spice Garden of India," accounts for the largest production of cardamom its contribution to the country's overall production is around 58.6%. With its temperate climate, ranging from 10 to 35 degrees Celsius with continuous rainfall, Kerala provides ideal conditions for raising cardamom. On average, it produces about 15,540 tonnes yearly and thus places itself centrally in India's spice industry.
The cardamom trade in Kerala has a bearing effect on the local economy. Farmers get domestic sales and strong export markets. Good quality cardamom of Kerala finds its way through world markets, more particularly, Middle East and European regions, adding one more feather to the crown of this southern state as a major spice exporter. Hence, other than providing sustenance for large numbers of farmers, the cardamom business substantially contributes towards India's overall economic growth, further confirming Kerala's status as an important turbine for the global spice trade.
2. Sikkim:
This state of Sikkim has an undisturbed landscape and is believed to be one of the largest producers of large cardamom, which is a freighted spice. Such unique agro-climatic conditions as cool temperate climate with well-distributed rainfall in this state provide an ideal environment to raise cardamom. The cultivation of cardamom constitutes the spine of local economy in the state of Sikkim, where many small farmers depend on this industry for their livelihood.
The cardamom business in Sikkim involves cultivation, processing, packaging, and export. Cardamom from Sikkim bears the uniqueness of its superior quality and flavor, which is in tremendous demand overseas. Productivity enhancement measures have been taken for sustainable cultivation so as to sustain a position that will keep Sikkim at the forefront of the global cardamom trade.
3. Nagaland:
Nagaland has become one of the major producers of large cardamoms in India. The state's climatic and soil conditions are conducive to the growth of this aromatic spice. More and more farmers take up cardamom farming, finding it a lucrative pursuit. Large cardamom grown in the state is famous worldwide due to its unique taste and superior quality.
Business in cardamom is very active in Nagaland, with the rural households' main source of income and government and NGO support to farmers with resources and training in production and marketing. The cardamom industry in Nagaland is fast-tracking the common people's economy and contributing toward sustainable agricultural development of the region.
4. Arunachal Pradesh:
Due to its favorable climate and geographical conditions, Arunachal Pradesh today occupies a prominent place in the cardamom business. With cool and humid conditions and rich, fertile soil, this area provides optimum growing conditions for growing high-quality cardamom.
Cardamom cultivation has increased a lot in recent times and is providing much-needed support to the local economy. Farmers in Arunachal Pradesh are increasing their output and quality with sustainability in agricultural practices. The cardamom from this place obtains high demand both locally and globally that drives the export market for the state. In such a budding industry, not only is the enhancement of the local farmers' livelihood connected to this, but it also drives the economic growth of the region. This makes Arunachal Pradesh one of India's important centers for cardamom production.
5. Karnataka:
Karnataka, one of the southern leading states in India, contributes substantially to the cardamom industry. Being one of the producers of high-quality green cardamom, Karnataka enjoys its climatic and soil conditions, which are perfect for growing this very expensive spice.
These plantations, especially in the Western Ghats of the state, supply a considerable amount of cardamom to India's total output. This has proved to be a thriving industry; besides supporting the local farmers, it contributes immensely to the state's economy through domestic sales and exports. Presently, Karnataka cardamom enjoys an unprecedented welcome in the international markets for its excellent flavor and enchanting aroma. The robust agricultural practices followed by the sustainable farming techniques in this state ensure continuous output of high-quality cardamom, which adds strength to its reputation in the global spice trade.
Conclusion:
Top cardamom-producing states in India are Kerala, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh all of them together contribute to the country's production of this spice. These states support the local economies by raising their incomes tremendously and also provide infinite livelihoods to so many farmers. With the high quality of cardamom produced in these places, its demands are maximally received from both the domestic and international fronts of the world.
FAQ
Which state is the largest producer of cardamom in india ?
Kerala dominates India's cardamom production. The contribution of this state is more than 70% to the country's total cardamom production, as proper climatic and soil conditions prevail here for raising this high-value spice.
Which city is known as cardamom capital of India?
Kattappana is one of the municipal towns in Kerala and is famously called the "Cardamom Capital of India." Located in the Idukki district, Kattappana is widely recognized for its huge production of cardamom plantations; it is, in fact, one of the largest growing and trading centers for cardamom in the country.
Which country is the largest producer of cardamom?
Basically, cardamom grows in the tropical regions of the world. Guatemala is the major producing nation of cardamom, succeeded by India. The total worldwide production of this spice is roughly 35,000 MT per year.
