The Hindu Business Line : Chilli exports increase to all-time high

Coonoor, July 3 The country’s chilli exports in 2006-07 fiscal reached an all-time high, an analysis of the information available with Spices Board and exporters reveals.

Exports rose to 209 thousand tonnes from 148.5 thousand tonnes in the previous fiscal. Because of this, despite the prices fetched dropping to Rs 52.51 a kg from Rs 54.39, earnings rose significantly to Rs 1,097.50 crore from Rs 807.75 crore.

This marked an increase of 41 per cent in volume and 36 per cent in value.

Target

The board had fixed an export target of 1.35 lakh tonnes valued at Rs 675 crore. This was lower than the actuals reached in 2006-07. But, the achievement in 2007-08 was as much as 155 per cent of the volume and 163 per cent of the value targeted.

Chilli accounted for 47 per cent in volume and 25 per cent in value of the total export of spices and spices products.

Last fiscal, the country became the major supplier of chilli in the global markets.

Quality measures

According to the Spices Board, its stringent quality measures including mandatory sampling and analysis for aflatoxin and ‘adulterant Sudan’ in export consignments made Indian chilli more acceptable to importers.

Besides, supplies from major producers including China and Pakistan reduced following lower production.

Malaysia was the largest buyer of Indian chilli. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the US bought sizable volumes.

Chilli prices rule high in domestic markets this fiscal. In Chennai, new Ramnad chilli now sells Rs 55-80 a kg against Rs 36-50 this time last year. In Virudhunagar market, best grade sannam chilli now sells Rs 48-51 a kg against Rs 47-50 last year. In Tuticorin market, Guntur sannam best chilli now sells Rs 50-55 a kg against Rs 50-51 last year.

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