Top 5 Largest Cardamom Producing States in India

India is globally recognized as one of the largest producers of spices, and among these, cardamom holds a special place. Cardamom is known as the Queen of Spices, it is a highly prized crop due to its unique flavor, medicinal properties, and its use in culinary traditions across the world. India’s topography and climate are ideal for the cultivation of both small and large cardamom, making it one of the world’s leading cardamom producers. In 2025, the Indian cardamom industry continues to thrive, with several states dominating production.

1. Kerala

Kerala’s contribution to India’s Cardamom Production is around 45% of total output. The key Producing Regions are Idukki and Wayanad of Kerala. The state’s Western Ghats provide the ideal climatic conditions for cultivating high-quality small cardamom, which is considered one of the finest in the world. The cardamom plantations in Kerala thrive in the humid, tropical climate of the mountainous regions, particularly in the districts of Idukki and Wayanad. Idukki is the heart of cardamom cultivation in Kerala, with thousands of small and medium-sized farmers depending on this crop for their livelihood. The government and private sector have made considerable investments in improving cultivation techniques, providing better seeds, and offering financial support to farmers. Kerala’s cardamom is known for its rich aroma, deep green colour, and superior flavour, making it highly sought after in global markets.

2. Sikkim

The key cardamom-producing regions of Sikkim are Dzongu, West Sikkim, and South Sikkim. Sikkim is India’s largest producer of large cardamom, which is distinct from small cardamom and highly valued for its smokey flavour and larger pod size. The cardamom produced in the state is known as “black cardamom” or “Nepal cardamom” globally, Sikkim contributes approximately 7-8% to India’s overall cardamom production, primarily in the form of large cardamom. The Himalayan state’s cool climate and well-drained, forested hillsides provide an ideal environment for cultivating large cardamom. The state’s farmers often practice traditional and organic farming methods, which have been further boosted by Sikkim’s government policies promoting organic agriculture. Large cardamom from Sikkim is primarily exported to countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

3. Nagaland

Nagaland is the third largest producer of cardamom in the country. The efficient cultivation techniques of farmers in Nagaland are the reason for the high production of spice in the state. Nagaland has a small cultivation area but the climate and support from the government as enabled the farmers to produce high-quality cardamom in the country. Advancements in the technology of farming have also contributed to improving cardamom production in the state.

4. Arunachal Pradesh

The fourth state on our list of highest cardamom production in the country is Arunachal Pradesh. The contribution of northeastern states in the production of the spice and the country’s total output is vital. Some of the few important features of the state that contribute to the high production of the spice are climate, irrigation facility and fertile soil. These features of the state have improved the production of the state and are also effective in the high-yield production of cardamom. The state mainly produces large cardamom that is in demand both in local and international markets.

5. Karnataka

The state’s cardamom cultivation is centred in the Coorg (Kodagu), Chikmagalur, and Hassan regions, where the cool climate and heavy rainfall provide ideal conditions for cardamom farming. In Coorg, cardamom is often intercropped with coffee, pepper, and other spices, which helps in optimizing land use while enhancing farmers’ incomes. Karnataka’s cardamom is known for its larger pods and strong flavor, making it a favourite in the domestic market. The state has been focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, with an emphasis on organic farming methods, which have improved the quality and global demand for its cardamom.

Conclusion

India’s cardamom production is critical to both its domestic spice market and its export economy.  The top five states with unique climatic conditions and agricultural practices have enabled them to produce some of the highest-quality cardamom in the world. In 2025, these states continue to adopt innovative farming techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, and organic cultivation methods, ensuring that India remains a dominant force in the global cardamom trade.