India's exports of whole cardamom surged in fiscal 2025-26, with value more than tripling to $436.8 million from $131.9 million two years earlier, according to data from the Commerce Ministry. Export volumes doubled to 16,399 tonnes, up from 7,083 tonnes in 2023-24 and 7,674 tonnes in 2024-25.
Record Export Growth Driven by Global Demand
An official attributed the sharp rise to "growing global demand for premium spices, quality production and increasing preference among overseas buyers because of its aroma, quality and purity," according to the source.
| Fiscal Year | Export Value ($ million) | Volume (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 131.9 | 7,083 |
| 2024-25 | 201.2 | 7,674 |
| 2025-26 | 436.8 | 16,399 |
Key Export Destinations
The main markets include the UAE ($135.22 million), Saudi Arabia ($125.16 million), Bangladesh ($47.71 million), Iraq ($13.71 million), Kuwait ($20 million), and Malaysia ($8.48 million). Other buyers include the Netherlands, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, Egypt, and Iran.
Production Varieties and Growing Regions
Cardamom cultivation in India is divided into two main varieties: Small Cardamom (grown in the southern Western Ghats) and Large Cardamom (cultivated in sub-Himalayan northeastern regions). The main small cardamom producing state is Kerala, accounting for 56–58% of total supply, with key districts including Idukki, Wayanad, and Palakkad. It is followed by Karnataka (Coorg, Hassan, Chikmagalur) and Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris, Palani, Pulney hills). Large cardamom, often used in Ayurvedic medicines and hearty spice blends, is primarily grown in high-altitude states such as Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
The 2025-26 export data underscores India's strong performance in the global cardamom market, particularly among Middle Eastern buyers, and reflects sustained demand for premium Indian spices.
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