• Department of Export Agriculture
    Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation

Introduction & Importance

Known as the “Queen of Spices,” cardamom is a high-value spice grown in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It has a delicate aroma and sweet flavor, making it a premium export.

Uses

  • Flavoring in sweets, curries, teas, and bakery items.
  • Medicinal properties: aids digestion, freshens breath, and relieves respiratory ailments.
  • Essential oil used in cosmetics and perfumes.

Growing Areas

Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, and Kegalle districts.


Climate & Soil Requirements

  • Altitude: 600–1,200 m.
  • Rainfall: 2,000–3,000 mm annually.
  • Soil: Well-drained loamy soils under forest cover.


Varieties

Local selections and introduced varieties with bold capsules and high oil content are cultivated.

Crop Management

  • Shade-loving crop, often under natural forest canopy.
  • Requires mulching and organic matter.


Harvesting & Post-Harvest

  • Capsules harvested before full maturity.
  • Dried in flue-curing kilns or sun-dried.

DEA Support

Training and improved planting materials to encourage expansion.