SMUGGLING of large cardamom has become rampant in India as prices surge to unprecedented levels, the country's Economic Times newspaper has reported. The illegal transit of the spice from its chief producing regions of Sikkim and parts of West Bengal to Pakistan, the single largest buyer, has hit exports. "As a result of the high prices and shortage, large cardamom is being smuggled to Pakistan via Kashmir," said Mukesh Sindhwani, managing director of Amritsar-based Shivanditta Mal and Company, a leading exporter of the commodity. The company, which annually exports around 500 tonnes, has suffered a 70% drop in the business... Read More