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Our Bureau

Kochi, Dec.29 Spice exports from the country have increased 15 per cent in rupee value and 6 per cent in quantity during April-November this year against the corresponding period of the last financial year. In dollar terms, the increase is 6 per cent.

The export is estimated at 3,10,830 tonnes valued at Rs 3,450.50 crore ($786.25 million) against 2,94,335 tonnes valued at Rs 3,010.25 crore ($742.95 million). Spice oils and oleoresins, including mint products, contributed 42 per cent of the total export earnings. Chilli contributed 21 per cent followed by cumin, 8 per cent, pepper 8 per cent and turmeric 5 per cent.

During April-November this year, export of most of the major spices has shown an increasing trend, both in terms of quantity and value, compared with the same period last year. However, exports of pepper and mint products declined both in quantity and value. Exports of ginger and chilli declined in quantity only.

During April-November, the export of pepper was 16,850 tonnes valued at Rs 281.77 crore against 25,230 tonnes valued at Rs 365.36 crore last year. The average export price of pepper increased from Rs 144.81 a kg in 2007 to Rs 167.22 in 2008. The low inventory in the major international markets due to the economic recession is reported to be the major reason for the decline in exports.

During the period, India exported 1,32,000 tonnes of chilli and chilli products valued at Rs 729.68 crore against 1,34,285 tonnes valued at Rs 727.84 crore last year. The traditional buyers of Indian chilli, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, continued buying this year also. The reported lower output from other producing countries and mandatory quality testing of chilli and chilli products by the Board have helped India to achieve this higher level of export in chilli.

The export of value-added products such as curry powder and spice oils and oleoresins has shown substantial increase in quantity and value compared with last year. During April-November, a total quantity of 9,500 tonnes of curry powder and masalas, valued at Rs 110.15 crore, was exported against 7,480 tonnes valued at Rs 72.85 crore. During April-November, the export of spice oils and oleoresins was 5,100 tonnes valued at Rs 520.11 crore against 4,355 tonnes valued at Rs 365.44 crore, an increase of 42 per cent in value and 17 per cent in volume.

Against the export target of 425,000 tonnes valued at Rs 4,350.00 crore for the year, the achievement of 3,10,830 tonnes valued at Rs 3,450.50 crore up to November this year is 73 per cent in quantity, 79 per cent in rupee value and 77 per cent in dollar terms of value.

More Stories on : Spices & Condiments | Exports & Imports

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