The Hindu Business Line : Fall continues in spices export

Compared to the exports of 1,58,054 tonnes valued at Rs 984.71 crore during the April-Aug 2004, total exports in the same period in 2005-06 stood at 1,40,233 tonnes valued at Rs 875.04 crore.

Chilli, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, vanilla, other seeds and mint products have declined, while others such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, nutmeg and mace, other spices, and value-added spices maintained upward trend.

Shipments of garlic showed a sharp rise from 468 tonnes valued at Rs 1.63 crore in April-Aug 2004-05 to 8,550 tonnes worth Rs 10.52 crore.

The major competitor of India in the world chilli market, China is reported to have a better production in its April-May crop, while its October-January crop is also said to be better than last year.

Therefore, the major buyers of Indian chilli such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, US and UAE are waiting for the harvesting of the next chilli crop in China anticipating that the prices would fall further. This has led to the decline in export of chilli.

Similarly, production of other spices, which had shown a good export performance last fiscal, is said to be good in other origins this year, according to sources at the All-India Spices Exporters Forum.

Production of these spices in India is also expected to maintain the last year's level, they said.

Export of turmeric in which India continues to maintain a monopoly, stood at 23,500 tonnes in April-Aug 2005 as against 20,230 tonnes in the same period last fiscal, Spices Board sources said.

Spice oils and oleoresins continued to grow. However, there has been a drop in the unit value of this product. Curry powder/paste/condiments has moved up marginally, while the export of mint products continued to decline this year also.

Availability from other origins at low prices has pushed down the export of other seeds vuz., mustard, aniseed, bishops weed (ajwan seed), dill seed and poppy seed, to 4,200 tonnes from 7,692 tonnes. The situation might improve once the real crop position in the competing producing countries is known, they added.

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

Stories in this Section
Physical delivery at 8 pc for pepper futures on NMCE

Mixed trend in spot rubber

Four cos in race to buy HLL's Doom Dooma Tea

Palm oil may correct lower

illycaffe seeks cut in import duties on roasted varieties

Fall continues in spices export