Western Nepal Shows Strong Potential for Black Cardamom Cultivation: Study

A recent study has shown strong potential to expand black cardamom cultivation beyond eastern Nepal to several districts in western parts of the country.

The 22-month study was conducted by King’s College Nepal with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. At present, black cardamom farming is largely concentrated in eastern districts such as Tehrathum, Panchthar, Ilam, Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur and Solukhumbu.

According to the study, districts in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces also offer favourable conditions for black cardamom cultivation. Districts including Kaski, Lamjung, Syangja, Baglung and Gulmi show strong potential, said Sandesh Poudel, coordinator of the Agribusiness Team at King’s College Nepal.

Poudel said the college sought information from Malika Rural Municipality in Gulmi, Baglung Municipality, Arjunchaupari Rural Municipality in Syangja and Bheerkot Municipality regarding interested farmers and potential cultivation areas. Of these, 54 farmers from Malika Rural Municipality have requested cardamom saplings, with the local government reporting that cultivation is planned on 228 ropanis of land. Other local governments have also submitted details of interested farmers and potential land area, he added.

If commercial-scale expansion of black cardamom farming can be achieved in western Nepal, the country could generate substantial income through export, Poudel said.

However, domestic consumption of black cardamom remains very low due to limited awareness. The study highlights the need to boost internal use, promote processed and value-added products, and diversify international markets.

The study found that black cardamom can be used in more than 52 products. Beyond spices and medicinal use, cardamom can be utilised in products such as soap, shampoo, perfume, candles and cosmetics.

Poudel noted that despite its wide potential, limited research and lack of product diversification in Nepal have constrained cardamom’s value in the international market.

Cardamom Exports Rise Sharply

Meanwhile, cardamom exports from the Mechi Customs Office recorded strong growth in the first six months of the current fiscal year (FY 2025/26).

According to the office, 3.46 million kilograms of cardamom worth Rs 7.2 billion were exported during the period. Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagain said exports increased by 58 percent compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year, when cardamom exports stood at Rs 4.55 billion.

The office also reported a sharp rise in exports of hardened cheese, veneer sheets and lentils, while exports of tea and plywood declined. Lentil exports rose by 481 percent and veneer sheet exports by 109 percent during the review period. – With inputs from RSS