The scramble for Indian cardamom has started with most of the growers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu holding back their stocks. It is estimated that about 800 tonnes of cardamom is being held back from the market by growers fearing a steep fall in prices.

As a result, arrivals at the auction centres have dwindled and most of the exporters are scared by the prospects of not being able to meet their commitments.

With the ensuing Ramadan season being advanced by 10 days, exporters are keen to see that orders from importers in the Middle East are carried out. At the same time, buyers in the region are depending on India as theGuatemalan cardamom crop will be late in arriving.

Despite these advantages, Indian cardamom is still under the threat of Guatemalan cardamom. One grower told The Financial Express, ``they are confusing the market by giving out price signals for the future''. But he was confident, ``we will be able to see the festive season through without much of a problem.'' While Indian cardamom is quoting at around $43, Guatemalan cardamom is priced as low as $14, he added.

The growers here are optimistic that if the trend continues there will be an export of about 1,000 tonnes this season. During the first half of this year only 90 tonnes of cardamom has been exported. The new demand is likely to take it much higher than during the last two years.

On Monday, auctions conducted by the Cardamom Producers' Association saw a sale of 18 tonnes at an average price of Rs 330 per kg. On Tuesday, Cardamom Processing and Marketing Company saw a sale of 32 tonnes at an average price of Rs 346.37 per kg.

Friday's auctionssaw prices moving up by Rs 15 per kg and a total of 35 tonnes were sold at the auctions by Mas Enterprises.