Kerala Spice Trade — Pepper, Cardamom and the Kochi Market

Contributed by System

Kochi's Jewtown spice warehouses and auction yards have been the centre of India's spice trade for over 2,000 years. Black pepper (Piper nigrum) from Idukki and Wayanad is graded by size and density — Tellicherry extra-bold commands highest global prices. Cardamom from Idukki hills is auctioned at the Spices Board e-auction platform in Bodinayakanur and Kumily. Farmers receive MSP plus auction premium. Export-quality drying is done on raised mesh tables to prevent aflatoxin. Spice Board inspectors certify pesticide-free batches. Over 200,000 spice farmers depend on the Kochi market for price discovery.