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K. K.Mustafah

Hits hurdle: Star anise displayed for sale at a sales outlet in Kochi, Kerala. Spices export from the country during April-August of the current fiscal increased 12 per cent. In value terms, exports were up 16 per cent to Rs 2,265.22 crore. However, during August the shipments dropped both in value and volume. –

Our Bureau

Kochi, Sept 24 Spices exports from the country have moved up in volume and value during first five months of the current fiscal. During April-August period, spices exports was up by 12 per cent in volume to 2,23,050 tonnes, while export realisation was up 16 per cent to Rs 2,265.22 crore. The dollar realisation was also up 13 per cent to $537.30 million.

There was nominal erosion in volume and value of spices exports during the month of August. While volumes fell by four per cent to 35,555 tonnes, the total value realised fell by a per cent to Rs 417.28 crore. Meanwhile, the value realisation in dollar terms fell by six per cent to $97.19 million. The major components of Indian spices export basket for the period were pepper, turmeric, chilli, cumin, mint products, oils and oleoresins.

Despite a surge in unit value realisation, export of pepper fell to 11,250 tonnes (15,620 tonnes) and the value fell to Rs 190.65 crore (Rs 226.44 crore). The unit value realised has, meanwhile, risen from 144.97 to Rs 169.47 a kg. There was nominal growth in chilli exports to 96,500 tonnes (93,845 tonnes) which fetched Rs 509.18 crore (Rs 513.50 crore). The lower output from other producing countries and the mandatory quality tests announced by the Board has also helped to bolster chilli exports.

The export of coriander seeds during the period rose sharply to 14,250 tonnes (10,825 tonnes) valued at Rs 95.25 crore (Rs 40.56 crore), registering a 32 per cent growth in volume and 135 per cent growth in value. The unit value realisation has also moved up from Rs 37.47 to Rs 66.84 a kg. Cumin seed exports also gained registering 157 per cent in quantity to 21,250 tonnes and 152 per cent in value to Rs 214.73 crore.

The export of value added products such as curry powder, spice oils and oleoresins have also shown considerable growth in value and quantity. Curry powder exports rose to 6,000 tonnes valued at Rs 66.90 crore while spice oils and oleoresins rose to 3,500 tonnes fetching Rs 344.22 crore. As against an export target of 4,25,000 tonnes and Rs 4,350 crore set for the year, the achievement during the first five months has already been 52 per cent in quantity and value, a press release from the Spices Board said.

More Stories on : Spices & Condiments | Exports & Imports

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