Small cardamom prices were nearly steady on Monday after a fortnight-long brisk business before the ‘Pongal’ festival.
Arrivals dropped today at the Cardamom Planters Association (CPA) Santhanpara auction in Bodinayakannur. Of the 19.8 tonnes arrived, 16.8 tonnes were traded. The maximum price stood at ₹1,108 a kg, while the auction average was at ₹929.54 (₹939.08) last Monday. Trade sources attributed the fall in quality to the dip in prices.
Exporters have bought an estimated 150 tonnes. Total arrivals increased last week to 814 tonnes from 789 tonnes the previous week. The individual auction average slipped to ₹954.15 a kg from ₹962.76 the previous week.
The auction average vacillated between ₹920 and ₹974 a kg last week. Total arrivals during the current season as on January 13 were at 14,893 tonnes and sales were at 14,595 tonnes. The individual auction average of the season was at ₹959.27 a kg.
Prices of graded varieties (₹/kg): 8mm green bold 1,200-1,250; 7-8 mm : 1,000-1,050 ; 6-7 mm 900-930. Good bulk was being traded at ₹950-980 a kg.