STCL conducts cardamom auctions for the benefit of the growers. STCL started conducting cardamom auctions in 1989 against stiff competition from private auctioneers and thus benefited the growers to realize a reasonable price and also minimized the exploitation.

Growers deposit cardamom at collection outlets in Kerala. Samples from the lots are then drawn and displayed at the auction site. The auctions are held at Bodinayakanur in Tamil Nadu every Thursday. The traders and suppliers participate in the auction by putting in their bids in open “bid system”.

The auctions are generally conducted during the season i.e. mid august to April every year.