Spices Board Warns Public Against Illegal Cardamom Auctions; Violators Face Strict Legal Action

Only Board-approved auctioneers can conduct sales; illegal trade hurts farmers and market transparency

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The Spices Board of India has issued a stern warning against participating in unauthorized cardamom auctions, stating that such activities violate the Cardamom (Licensing & Marketing) Rules, 1987 and will attract strict legal action.

Illegal Auctions on the Rise

The Board has observed that certain firms — including some licensed dealers — have been conducting cardamom auctions without valid approval.
Under existing rules:

• Only entities licensed by the Spices Board can operate as auctioneers or dealers.
• Even licensed auctioneers can conduct auctions only at Board-approved locations, dates, and times.
• Licensed dealers must buy cardamom solely from registered growers, estate owners, or approved auction platforms.

Any deviation from these norms is considered illegal.

Impact on Farmers and Fair Trade

The Board emphasised that unauthorized auctions undermine:

• Transparency in price discovery
• Fair competition
• Income stability for cardamom farmers
• Business viability of authorised auctioneers

Illegal trading channels disrupt the structured and regulated market framework built to protect growers and ensure standardized quality.

Where Legal Auctions Are Held

Official cardamom auctions currently take place at:

E-auction centres:

Puttady (Kerala)

Bodinayakanur (Tamil Nadu)

Approved manual auction centres:

In designated locations across other states

Stakeholders are urged to participate only through these legitimate platforms.

Public Advisory

The Spices Board has advised growers, traders, and the public to:

• Verify the list of authorised auctioneers on the Spices Board’s official website
• Avoid all unapproved auction activities
• Report suspicious auction operations to authorities

The Board reiterated that strict enforcement measures will be taken against violators to safeguard the interests of genuine farmers and maintain the integrity of India’s cardamom trade.