Kathmandu, June 23 -- Nepal's large cardamom exports have reached an all-time high in value, driven by tighter global supplies, stable prices and sustained demand from South Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

In the first 11 months of the current fiscal year ending in mid-June, Nepal exported 6,034 tonnes of large cardamom worth Rs12.01 billion, according to customs data. The export value is the highest ever recorded for the spice, although export volumes remain below the levels seen in some previous years.

Large cardamom, also known as black cardamom, is among the world's most expensive spices and one of Nepal's leading agricultural export products.

India remains the dominant buyer, absorbing around 99 percent of Nepal's exports. From ...