KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 28 Cardamom has emerged as the leading export commodity from the Kakarbhitta border customs point in the first five months of the current fiscal year, reinforcing its status as the region's 'green gold'. According to Ishwar Kumar Humagain, information officer at the Kakarbhitta Customs Office, cardamom exports to India during the period stood at Rs 5.53 billion, making it the single largest contributor to outbound trade from the border point. Tea followed as the second-largest export, valued at Rs 1.86 billion, while plywood exports reached Rs 837.08 million. Other major exports included chhurpi worth Rs 485.27 million, veneer sheets valued at Rs 449.01 million, and ginger and sutho totalling Rs 374.54 million. Customs data also show exports of amriso (broom grass) worth Rs 304.05 million, cauliflower and cabbage valued at Rs 113.91 million, lentils worth Rs 91 million, and iron sheets amounting to Rs 37.83 million. The figures highlight the growing dominance of agricultural and forest-based products in exports through Kakarbhitta, with cardamom continuing to drive cross-border trade with India. (With inputs from RSS)