Date:02/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/07/02/stories/2005070201121200.htm

Back Spices exports fall in April-May

G.K. Nair

Kochi , July 1

INCREASED availability from other origins seems to have pushed down the exports of chilli, coriander etc in April-May this year compared to the last fiscal.

Export of chilli had dropped to 22,000 tonnes valued at Rs 75.90 crore from 26,762 tonnes worth Rs 98.42 crore in the same period last year. Export of coriander fell to 5,250 tonnes worth Rs 13.86 crore from 9,017 tonnes worth Rs 20.58 crore. Celery, fennel, fenugreek, other seeds, pepper, cardamom, mint products are some others that showed a decline.

However, export of garlic went up sharply to 3,850 tonnes in April-May 2005-06 from 227 tonnes in the same period in 2004-05 on short supply from other producing countries. Turmeric, in which India has a monopoly, maintained its upward trend.

Improvement in chilli production in China this year has resulted in the drop in chilli exports. Besides, as its price is on a declining trend buyers are waiting for it to fall further, Mr Thomas Philip, Chairman, All India Spices Exporters Forum, told Business Line. He said coriander exports were hit by a good crop in other producing countries. Oleoresins and spice oils exports rose to 925 tonnes (904 tonnes). The total exports in the first two months of this fiscal thus fell to Rs 350.19 crore (Rs 389.68 crore).