Cardamom prices declined marginally on slack demand despite supply squeeze at auctions last week. Good summer showers for over a week in the growing areas have changed the market sentiments. Buyers slowed down purchases expecting new crop to hit markets by late June. AtKochimarket, cardamom prices were Rs 449-1024 per kg.

The global sugar surplus era is coming to an end. After three straight years of big surpluses, the sugar market is heading towards a balance or a small deficit next season due to adverse weather inBrazilandAsiaand higher than expected Chinese demand. Due to weather issue, there will be adverse impact on next year production.

Maize planting is near to end in France, with 92 percent of the area expected for this year's harvest sown by May 12,  according to weekly crop data from farm office. The grain maize area sown had risen from approximate 83 percent a week earlier and was above 77 percent a year ago. Rain since the end of April has slowed the maize sowing.

Chicago wheat prices dropped about 1 per cent, with improving weather in the drought-hit United States Plains and prospects of plentiful global supplies dragging on prices. Risks inUkraineare still real but at this stage unless pro-Russian rebels take control of the ports, we expect exports from the region to remain reasonably robust this year.