Cardamom in Nepal

Cardamom (Amomum sabulatum Roxb), is an herbaceous perennial cash crop, and also referred to as “Queen of Spices”. It is cultivated in an altitude range of 600 m and 2,000 m above sea level where annual rainfall is between 1,500 to 2,500 mm and the temperature varies from 8° C to 20° C. Economic yield starts from 3rd years onward after planting and its optimal yield period is 8-10 years. The total life span of Cardamom plants is about 20-25 years.There are sixteen varieties of Cardamom in the world. Among them five types of Large Cardamom are in farming practices across Nepal-Ramsey, Golsey, Sawney, Chibesey, and Dammersey.

Due to increased demand in the international market and favorable climatic condition, Cardamom has become a major cash crop for farmers in the mid hills in the last two decade. At present an estimated 12, 000 ha in over 40 mid-hills are under Cardamom cultivation with estimated annual production of 6, 000 metric tons. Cardamom oil is a precious ingredient in food preparations, perfumery, health foods medicines and beverages. Cardamom seeds are astringent, tonic, appetizer, and diuretic. Large volume of dried but un-graded Cardamom is traded in Indian and Pakistan markets.