A group of female cardamom farmers have founded a cardamom auction company under the auspices of the Spices Board of India, making it the first of its kind to be entirely controlled by women.
The Idukki Mahila Cardamom Producer Company Limited (IMCPCL) has a board of 49 women cardamom farmers. This women-led venture’s inaugural auction was held on Saturday at Spices Park in Puttady.
Assistant Director of Puttady Spices Park, K.A. Anil Kumar, stated that the Board oversees 16 licensed cardamom auction companies. “This is the first time a female cardamom farmer has taken control of a cardamom auction company registered with the Board. “The company’s specialty is that all 49 director board members are active cardamom farmers,” Dr. Kumar explained.
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“Normally, women are underrepresented in the cardamom auction process. Dr. Kumar expressed hope that the new company will help attract more women farmers to the sector.
According to officials, the women-owned cardamom company is presenting high-quality cardamom in the hopes of attracting vendors at the auction. During the first auction of the women-owned cardamom company, the highest price per kg of the season, ₹3,804, was quoted. The presence of the new company has already had a positive impact on cardamom prices, according to an official.
Sujatha Bhagavathiraj, one of the company’s director board members, stated that discussions to float the company began in 2021 during a family meeting and have finally come to fruition today.
“When we approached the Spices Board to register a women-controlled cardamom auction company, the board secretary and other officials welcomed the initiative and provided all assistance in registering the company,” stated Bhagavathiraj.
“We intend to offer value-added cardamom products in the future. “Our company’s motto is not to use artificial colour in cardamom and not to support the use of unauthorised pesticides in cardamom plantations,” she stated.
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On Saturday, the new company held its first auction at Puttady Spices Park. The average price quoted was ₹2,070/kg. A total of 29,815 kg cardamom was on auction, with the maximum price quoted at ₹3,804 per kg. The lowest quoted price was ₹1,589.
The women-owned cardamom auction company was inaugurated at Puttady Spices Park and the Spice Board office in Bodinayakanur, Tamil Nadu. Mr. Anikumar inaugurated the company in Puttady, while Bank of India Madurai Zonal Manager Kishore Kumar and Spices Board Assistant Director Sentil Kumar co-led the inauguration in Bodinayakanur.
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