Bhadrapur, Dec 5: Cardamom exports routed through the Mechi Customs Office have recorded a substantial increase in the first four months of the current fiscal year 2082/83, rising by 109.20 percent. According to the office’s statistics, cardamom worth Rs 3.97 billion was exported during this period.
Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagai reported that a total of 1,823.90 metric tons of cardamom was exported in the four-month period. In the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year 2081/82, exports stood at Rs 1.90 billion.
Over the past three fiscal years, Nepal’s cardamom export has shown notable fluctuation in both volume and value. In FY 2021/22, Nepal exported approx 5,367 tonnes of cardamom, generating around Rs 4.81 billion. Exports surged in 2022/23, reaching nearly 10,000 tonnes with earnings rising to about Rs 8.27 billion, marking a record high for the country.
However, in FY 2023/24, export volume declined to roughly 5,018 tonnes, with total earnings amounting to around Rs 7.94 billion. Despite the reduction in volume compared to the previous year, the export value remained relatively strong due to increased market prices. These shifts reflect changing production levels and volatility in international demand.
Cardamom is mainly cultivated in the eastern hilly districts. The most important producers are Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar and Ilam, which together account for over 80 percent of the country’s total cardamom output.
Beyond these districts, farmers have begun cultivation in different climatic regions of eastern hilly districts. Districts such as Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Tehrathum, and even some more remote or non-traditional areas now engage in cardamom farming.
Moreover, studies and agriculture-sector reports indicate that cardamom cultivation has spread beyond its traditional zones: estimates cite over 40 districts (or more) across Nepal where the crop is grown, though production density remains highest in the eastern hills.
Tea exports declined
The office’s data further indicate that tea exports declined by 37.70 percent in the first four months of the current fiscal year. Tea worth Rs 1.37 billion was exported during this period, compared to Rs 2.20 billion in the same period last fiscal year.
Significant growth has been observed in the export of several key goods: veneer sheets increased by 134.80 percent; chhurpi by 33 percent; ginger and dried ginger by 3.20 percent; cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage by 36.10 percent; and lentils by an exceptional 481 percent.
Conversely, exports of plywood decreased by 52.70 percent, amriso (broom grass) by 23.90 percent, and iron plates by 97.30 percent.
Overall, goods worth Rs 7.96 billion were exported through Mechi Customs during the first four months of fiscal year 2082/83. #nepal
