Thodupuzha: The Kerala government's decision to include cardamom in Onam special ration kits has revived the hopes of farmers who are stressed by the current Covid-19 pandemic situation.

Two weeks before, the average price of cardamom at Kattappana market was between Rs 900 to Rs 1000. After cardamom was included in the Onam kit, the price rose to Rs 1200.

Even during the e-auction held on Monday at South Indian Green Cardamom Company, the average price was at Rs 1221, while the maximum price was at Rs 1620.

Onam kits meant for 88 lakh beneficiaries will contain 20 grams of cardamom each. Meanwhile, 2.25 lakh kilograms of cardamom will be procured from the farmers in the high range area.

The move comes after considering Idukki district panchayat’s request to include cardamom in the Onam kit. The pandemic situation that compromised business in the domestic market troubled the cultivators.

A bulk of the yield in the high range region remained unsold due to the lack of export based procurement. Cardamom farmers hope that the market will be revived soon.