Sikkim’s cardamom farmers brace for a changing spice market

Large cardamom — the ‘queen of spices’ that built Sikkim’s hillside economy — is facing its toughest season in a decade, with prices softening as production recovers in Nepal and Guatemala.

Growers around Mangan, the heart of the state’s cardamom belt, are experimenting with shade management and better curing ovens to lift quality and fetch premium prices.

The state’s organic certification remains a selling point, but farmers want the brand protected — and the marketing cooperatives stronger.