How much can you earn from 1 acre cardamom farming? Real monthly income, profit calculation, cost, yield, and complete farming guide for Indian farmers.
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How much money can 1 acre of cardamom farming generate per month?
This guide answers that question with clear numbers before going into the complete farming process. It is written for farmers, plantation investors, and agriculture bloggers targeting high-value keywords.
How Much Can You Earn from Cardamom Farming per Month?
Cardamom is not a short-term crop. It is a plantation business.
Income becomes stable after the crop reaches maturity, usually from the third year onward.
Monthly Income from 1 Acre Cardamom Farm (India)
| Farming Level | Annual Net Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| Low management | ₹2–3 lakh | ₹15,000–25,000 |
| Average farmer | ₹4–5 lakh | ₹30,000–40,000 |
| Well-managed farm | ₹6–8 lakh | ₹50,000–65,000 |
| Premium / organic quality | ₹10 lakh+ | ₹80,000+ |
Important reality:
There is no income in the first 2–3 years. But once production stabilizes, cardamom can provide consistent income for 10–12 years.
That is why experienced growers treat cardamom as a long-term income asset, not a seasonal crop.
Monthly Income Calculation (Simple and Practical)
Let’s break income down using realistic field numbers.
Yield and Price Assumption (1 Acre, Mature Plantation)
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Average dry cardamom yield: 180–220 kg per year
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Average market price: ₹1,600 per kg
Annual Gross Income
200 kg × ₹1,600 = ₹3,20,000
Annual Maintenance Cost
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Labour and weeding: ₹30,000
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Manure and fertilizers: ₹25,000
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Pest and disease management: ₹15,000
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Irrigation and miscellaneous: ₹10,000
Total annual cost: ₹80,000–1,00,000
Net Profit
₹3,20,000 – ₹1,00,000 = ₹2,20,000 per year
Monthly income: ₹18,000–20,000
Now comes the profit lever.
If drying quality improves and selling price increases to ₹2,200–2,500 per kg, the same acre can generate ₹40,000–₹60,000+ per month.
Complete Cardamom Farming Guide (After Income Clarity)
Now that the earning potential is clear, let’s understand how profitable cardamom farming actually works.
What Is Cardamom Farming?
Cardamom is a high-value spice crop often called the “Queen of Spices.”
India produces premium small cardamom with strong aroma, high oil content, and export demand.
Unlike seasonal crops:
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Cardamom is a plantation crop
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It needs patience initially
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It delivers recurring income for many years
Types of Cardamom Grown in India
Small Cardamom
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High aroma and oil content
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Strong export demand
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Grown mainly in southern hill regions
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Highest income per acre
Large Cardamom
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Bigger pods, lower aroma
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Mostly domestic market
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Grown in the North-East
This guide focuses on small cardamom, as it offers superior profitability.
Best Location for Cardamom Farming
Location decides profit more than anything else.
Suitable Regions
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High rainfall hill areas
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Naturally shaded land
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Cool and humid climate
Cardamom performs poorly in hot plains and dry zones.
Climate Requirements
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Temperature: 10°C to 35°C
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Rainfall: 1,500–4,000 mm annually
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Humidity: High
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Shade: 50–60%
Excess sunlight reduces yield and damages leaves.
Soil Requirements
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Rich forest loam or red soil
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Excellent drainage
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High organic matter
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Soil pH: 5.5–6.5
Soil testing before planting improves long-term productivity.
Best Cardamom Varieties for Profit
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Vazhukka: High yield, commercial standard
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Mysore: Disease tolerant, compact growth
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Malabar: Traditional aroma-rich variety
For most farmers, Vazhukka is the safest choice.
Nursery and Propagation
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Rhizome suckers are most reliable
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Tissue culture plants should be used only from trusted sources
Rhizome planting ensures stable growth and lower disease risk.
Land Preparation and Shade Management
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Select gently sloping land
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Avoid water stagnation
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Retain natural shade trees
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Maintain 50–60% shade throughout the year
Poor shade management directly reduces income.
Planting Method and Spacing
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Best planting time: June–July
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Spacing: 2 m × 2 m
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Plants per acre: Around 1,000
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Pit size: 45 × 45 × 45 cm
Use topsoil mixed with compost and neem cake.
Manure and Fertilizer Management
Organic Base (Recommended)
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Farmyard manure or compost: 5 kg per plant per year
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Neem cake: 1 kg per plant
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Mulching to retain moisture
Chemical Fertilizer (If Used)
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Apply NPK in split doses
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Avoid excess nitrogen
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Apply only after rainfall
Over-fertilization increases disease risk.
Irrigation Management
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Mostly rainfed crop
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Life-saving irrigation during dry months
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Sprinkler irrigation preferred
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No water stagnation near roots
Major Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
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Shoot and capsule borer
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Thrips
Major Diseases
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Rhizome rot
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Leaf blight
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Capsule rot
Preventive management is cheaper and more effective than treatment.
Harvesting and Yield
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First harvest: After 2.5–3 years
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Harvest interval: Every 25–30 days
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Harvest season: August to January
Harvest capsules before full maturity to retain green color.
Drying and Processing (Profit Multiplier)
Drying quality directly controls selling price.
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Drying temperature: 45–50°C
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Use curing houses or dryers
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Avoid sun drying
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Maintain uniform green color
Good drying alone can increase price by 30–40%.
Storage and Grading
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Store in dry, moisture-free conditions
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Grade by size and color
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Clean lots fetch higher prices
Marketing and Selling
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Local spice auctions
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Private traders
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Export agents
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Direct branding (advanced level)
Selling timing matters as much as production.
Why Some Farmers Earn ₹8–10 Lakh per Acre
Low income is usually due to:
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Poor drying
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Mixed grading
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Distress selling
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Weak disease control
High earners focus on:
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Quality production
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Proper curing
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Clean grading
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Strategic selling
Advantages of Cardamom Farming
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High value per kilogram
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Long productive life
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Strong export demand
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Stable income after maturity
Disadvantages
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Long waiting period
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Climate sensitivity
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Skilled management required
Final Verdict: Is Cardamom Farming Worth It?
Yes. Cardamom farming can generate ₹25,000 to ₹80,000+ per month per acre, but only when:
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Location is suitable
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Quality is prioritized
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Farmers are ready for a 3-year wait
Cardamom does not reward shortcuts.
It rewards patience, discipline, and professional management.
FAQs
How much can I earn per month from 1 acre of cardamom farming?
₹15,000 to ₹80,000+ depending on management and quality.
When does cardamom start giving income?
From the third year onwards.
Is cardamom farming risky?
Risk is moderate and mainly climate-related. Good management reduces losses.
Is organic cardamom farming profitable?
Yes. Organic cardamom often sells at premium prices.
