Nepal is a country with great potential in the production of large cardamom. Although the market price of cardamom in Nepal has been rising, its production has been declining. To understand the reasons behind this critical situation, we spoke with Nirmal Bhattarai, President of the Large Cardamom Business Association.
Below is the edited excerpt of the conversation conducted by Sargam Tamang for KTM Voice:

What is the current status of cardamom production in Nepal?

At present, the production of cardamom has decreased significantly. Compared to previous years, production dropped by 50 percent, and this year it fell another 50 percent. For the coming season, we expect an additional decrease of about 20 percent, resulting in only around 30 percent production.

What are the reasons behind such a critical situation?

The primary reason is climate change. Cardamom farming relies heavily on natural rainfall as there is no proper irrigation system. When rainfall is insufficient or delayed, production suffers. Diseases are another major reason behind the declining yield.

What measures have you adopted to improve cardamom production?

There are many steps involved in proper crop management—from soil testing to using disease-free saplings, and planting varieties that produce higher yields. We need to expand cultivation based on these practices, but these essential tasks have not been consistently implemented.

Nepal has tremendous potential. Large cardamom, which can earn significant foreign currency, is produced domestically. However, it has been neglected. The government has not provided the required technical support. Farmers have not received necessary facilities such as disease-free saplings, irrigation, and encouragement to expand cultivation in suitable areas.

Due to the lack of such support, farmers have been planting crops without proper knowledge—no soil tests, no disease tests, and no understanding of plant varieties. Many simply expand cultivation hoping for income. As a result, production has declined. Because of diseases, yields have remained low for the past three years.

Plants die or dry up during the production stage, causing a steep decline in output. Neither the Large Cardamom Development Centre nor the Agriculture Knowledge Centres have provided the required support—leading to this poor condition.

What is the current state of cardamom marketing in Nepal? What challenges do you face?

First of all, our main issue is production. We have not faced any difficulty selling the cardamom produced. Prices have remained good for both farmers and traders, especially over the past two years. However, our primary market is India.

Nepal is the world’s largest producer of large cardamom, but we have not been able to reach other international markets easily. We have raised these concerns with the government and concerned authorities.

Despite raising the issues, certain policy barriers remain. We are heavily dependent on India and unable to export easily to other countries. As a result, third-country exports remain minimal—only around 1.5 tons through international trade channels. Although India is our main market, we do not face problems in selling our available cardamom.

Why is Nepal importing more cardamom than it exports?

Nepal does not import large cardamom because it is produced domestically. We only export it.

We export about 95 percent of our large cardamom, while around 5 percent is consumed locally.
Small cardamom (sukmel), however, is imported. Our goal as an association is to replace this with domestic cardamom through various initiatives.

Although large cardamom should be used widely in hotels, cuisines, and kitchens across Nepal, this has not happened sufficiently. We are launching programs to increase domestic consumption, but Nepal has never imported large cardamom.

How satisfied are farmers with cardamom farming?

Farmer satisfaction depends mainly on price. In the past two years, neither farmers, collectors, exporters, nor traders were satisfied due to extremely low prices. Because of low returns, some farmers even removed cardamom plants and switched to other crops.

Since prices have increased in the last two years, farmers are now more aware and enthusiastic and have been earning good profits. However, due to declining production, there is growing concern. Farmers are working harder in cultivation—expanding farms, improving irrigation, and ensuring timely weeding.

When prices drop, everyone worries; when prices rise, everyone becomes happy. But due to the sharp decline in production, farmers are not fully satisfied even now.

Although market prices are good and supply remains steady, domestic consumption has not increased as needed. Previously, only 2 percent of Nepal’s cardamom was consumed internally; now it has risen to 5 percent. We expect gradual improvement.

Through various programs, we are promoting the benefits and uses of large cardamom. It may take some time for people to fully recognize its value, but we are confident that domestic consumption will rise steadily in the coming years.

This is a different topic, but you are also a commodity member of FNCCI. Is the election season approaching?

It is not yet election time for FNCCI. Only one year has passed in the current three-year term, which ends next Chaitra 30. There are still about two more years remaining. Therefore, it is not appropriate to create an election environment now. Our focus should be on addressing the issues faced by industries and businesses rather than shifting into election mode prematurely.

Whom will you support in the FNCCI leadership race?

It is too early to decide. We will evaluate candidates when election time approaches. There are still around 20 months remaining. Rather than deciding early, we should assess who can work effectively and advocate for the rights and concerns of industries and businesses. Early commitments are neither appropriate nor necessary.

What kind of person should lead FNCCI?

The leader should be someone respected by all—someone capable of coordinating with the government and representing the concerns of industrialists and entrepreneurs effectively.

There are multiple groups and teams within FNCCI, but everyone must come together to address business issues collectively. Unity is essential.

Premature election hype only disrupts important work. To create real impact, there must be unity, a common voice, and coordinated effort. Although we have seen some early election activity, it should not happen. Many potential candidates and aspiring leaders exist—time will tell who is truly suitable. When the right time comes, we will choose accordingly. Naming someone now would be inappropriate.