The Hindu Business Line : H1 spices exports up Rs 258 cr

SPICES exports have increased by Rs 258 crore during first half of the fiscal as shipments of chilli and coriander surpassed the target set for the current fiscal, while some other items have registered substantial increase.

While the traditional export commodity, black pepper, continued to decline, chilli has shown a tangible rise to 75,350 tonnes valued at Rs 276.31 crore as against the target of 75,000 tonnes for the current fiscal. Coriander has also crossed the target of 18,000 tonnes to touch 22,000 tonnes valued at Rs 51.71 crore. Exports of chilli and coriander during the first half of 2003-04 stood at 28,250 tonnes and 7,250 tonnes, respectively.

Turmeric exports, in which India has a monopoly, have crossed 23,500 tonnes valued at Rs 88.14 crore as against 15,250 tonnes worth Rs 66.17 crore in the first half of last fiscal and the current year's target of 31,000 tonnes. Exports of fennel stood at 4,375 tonnes, while fenugreek was at 8,400 tonnes compared to 2,025 tonnes and 3,450 tonnes, respectively.

Cumin shipments increased to 8,300 tonnes from 3,700 tonnes. Other seeds, such as mustard, aniseed, bishops weed (Ajwain seed), dill seed, poppy seed etc, also rose to 8,200 tonnes from 4,550 tonnes.

Value-added items such as curry powder/paste/condiments and spice oils and oleoresins have also shown an increase. Exports of the latter were at 2,875 tonnes valued at Rs 237.20 crore as against 2,175 tonnes worth Rs 180 crore. Exports of curry powder were at 3,800 tonnes as against 3,250 tonnes. Vanilla shipments also went up from 12 tonnes to 15 tonnes.

Other spices such as tamarind, asafoetida, cassia and saffron, mint products such as mint oil, menthol and menthol crystal, garlic, nutmeg and mace, ginger and cardamom large, showed a decline, said Mr S. Kannan, Director, Marketing, Spices Board.

Total exports during April-September stood at 1,82,300 tonnes valued at Rs 1,100.41 crore as against 1,04,860 tonnes worth Rs 842.16 crore in the same period a year ago and the current financial year's target of 2.5 lakh tonnes valued at Rs 2,000 crore.

More Stories on : Exports & Imports | Spices & Condiments

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
HLL plans to hive off Sewri facility

Rupee gains as sentiment improves

Final decision on oil prices in `1 or 2 days'

Bush emerges victor as Kerry concedes defeat

A rage abroad, but lacklustre here

Sensex at 6-month high on US vote

H1 spices exports up Rs 258 cr