Idukki produces 70% of India's cardamom plus substantial black pepper. A small estate processing brand producing graded cardamom and single-estate pepper captures D2C and specialty-importer premium.
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Idukki produces 70% of India's cardamom (Idukki small cardamom is GI-protected) plus substantial black pepper. Most exits as commodity-grade through traders to Kochi auction. A small unit running curing-grading-packaging for cardamom plus single-estate pepper packaging captures premium pricing — Idukki cardamom retail at 3,800-5,500/kg vs commodity at 1,800; estate pepper at 1,200-1,800/kg vs commodity at 650.
Capex of 10-22 lakh covers a curing kiln, grading equipment, packing line, and Spice Board certification. The Spices Board's value-add scheme (50% subsidy on machinery) plus MOVCD-NER (organic NE-style cluster scheme that Kerala has adapted) cover up to 60% capex. Hard parts: maintaining moisture and oil content during cardamom curing, microbial control for pepper, and building 3-5 specialty-importer or D2C buyer accounts. Start with cardamom (higher unit margin); pepper expansion in year 2.
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