Buyers reject imported pepper

Buyers said to have rejected pepper imported from Sri Lanka citing presence of mould. Market sources told Business Line that this material was imported via Turicorin. Besides, smuggling of pepper continues to take place, they said. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu based dealers were buying Rajkumari (Idukki) pepper at ₹407 a kg from the door steps of the farmers on cash and carry basis.

On the terminal market 15 tonnes were traded on Friday. Of this high range pepper went for ₹405 while Pulpally Bathery material fetched ₹395 a kg. Imported Sri Lankan material was sold at ₹380-385 a kg. Spot prices remained unchanged at ₹39,200 (ungarbled) and ₹41,200 (garble) a quintal. Indian export prices were at $6,600 a tonne c&f for Europe and $6,850 a tonne c&f for the US.