A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of EngineeringinFood Engineering and Bioprocess Technology, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Large cardamom is the second highest value spice crop after cordycepsin Bhutan. There were several challenges in the supply chain. The study was conducted to assess the supply chain scenario of large cardamom in Bhutan during October2017 to December2017. Three districts; Dagana,Tsirangand Sarpangwere identifiedbased on altitude variations. A total of293large cardamom growers were interviewed.To create value of the large cardamom in value chain, the physicochemical proximate analysis was performed. Consequently, thefeasibility studies onproduct development,consumer preferences, cost analysisand market prospective inwere performed for policy recommendations.The survey foundDagana district lead in production of large cardamom among other two districts which was in conformity with the official records.There were poor technological interventions at harvesting, drying, packaging, storage stages and lack of secured market channel resulted in quantitative and qualitative postharvest losses. Thethree yield determinants;size of area, number of seedlings planted per hectare and age of the cardamom plants hadsignificant effect. Sensory and cost analysis of large cardamom flavored milk showed positive consumer preferences. The policy recommendations on technological interventionsand value creation activitiesof large cardamom were laid down for effective flow in the supply chain.

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2018