Buoyed by surging demand for its quality spices in international markets, India exported 5,57,525 tonnes of spices and spice products valued at ₹8,850.53 crore during April-September 2017 as against 4,50,700 tonnes worth ₹8,700.15 crore during the corresponding period a year earlier, registering an increase of 24 per cent in volume and 2 per cent in rupee terms.

In dollar terms, the exports of spices and spice products during the first half of the current fiscal were pegged at $1,373.97 million against $1,299.96 million during the same period in 2016, notching an increase of 6 per cent.

Spices Board Chairman A Jayathilak said chilli, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, garlic and mint products have been the favourites in global markets. Moreover, the Board’s efforts to promote these spices have resulted in an appreciable increase in their exports.

“What is satisfying is that India’s exports of spices and spice products have been consistently moving up despite the volatility in international markets and the stringent food safety regulations imposed by countries,” he said.

Chilli retained its position as the most-in-demand spice with exports of 235,000 tonnes (valued at ₹2,125.90 crore) followed by cumin with a total volume of 79,460 tonnes worth ₹1,324.58 crore.

Next in line was turmeric with an export volume of 59,000 tonnes valued at ₹547.63 crore.

The export of mint products added up to 11,280 tonnes in volume and ₹1,317.40 crore in value.

Shipments of small cardamom, cumin, garlic, asafoetida, tamarind and seeds like ajwain, mustard, dill and poppy registered an increase both in volume and value as compared to April-September 2016.

The export of value-added products like curry powder, mint products and spice oils and oleoresins also rose both in volume and value terms during the period.

During the period, 8,800 tonnes of spice oils and oleoresins valued at ₹1,332.22 crore were shipped against 6,617 tonnes worth ₹1,237.06 crore last year.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW