Introduction of e-auction of cardamom Spices Board had introduced e-Auction of Cardamom in Bodinayakanur, Theni Dist, Tamilnadu in August 2007. This e-Auction centre has forty buyer terminals. The second e-Auction centre was established in Vandanmettu, Idukki, Kerala in Dec 2007 with sixty terminals. The e-Auction had replaced the traditional outcry auctions of Cardamom in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Process followed In the new system, licensed dealers are provided with a user id and password. The dealers have to log into the system to participate in an Auction. A bid is made with key depressions using a normal computer keyboard. Identity of bidders is protected during the auction process. Highest bidder’s name is displayed only on the Auction Masters’ terminal. There is a main display board showing lot no, quantity, number of bags current highest bid etc of each lot kept in the Auction. The e-Auction system has brought transparency in the auction process. The system is running successfully in both centres. Address of e-Auction centres Common e-Auction Centre, Spices Board Vandanmettu, Idukki- 685551 Kerala Phone: 04868-288122 E Mail: eauctionsb@gmail.com Common e-Auction Centre, Spices Board Cardamom Planters' Association (CPA), Bodinayikanur, Theni –625513 Tamilnadu Phone:04546-280238 Source : Spices Board