Cardamom is known as the queen of spices in India. It thrives in the warm, humid climate of Western Ghats, particularly in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Oil is extracted through steam distillation of cardamom seeds, yielding a pale-yellow liquid with a warm, sweet, and spicy aroma. It is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and promote mental clarity. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to treat digestive issues and respiratory ailments.

There is limited carry-forward stock and production levels have declined drastically. This has resulted in supply constraints in domestic and international markets. Plantations have been damaged significantly due to excessive rainfall and harsh summer. Large scale replantation has been undertaken. Since there has been no time for soil recovery and maturity, lower and delayed yields are expected. decline in production and rising domestic demand will put pressure on exports. The gap left by Indian exports creates opportunities for countries like Guatemala in the international market.