Date:02/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/02/stories/2007080255322100.htm

Business

Spices exports up 25 p.c.

Special Correspondent

Cardamom (small), ginger, fall short of target

7,000 tonnes of pepper exported in April-June
Indian pepper has become more competitive

Kochi: In the first quarter of the financial year 2007-08, export of spices has reached the level of 111,420 tonnes valued at Rs.967.30 crore or $234.53 million.

Compared to the export performance of 88,950 tonnes valued Rs.712.97 crores ($156.63 million) in the same period of 2006-07, the achievement during the year is higher by 25 per cent in quantity and 36 per cent in value.

As against the target of 380,000 tonnes valued at Rs.3600 crores ($875 million) fixed for the year, 29 per cent of quantity and 27 per cent of value have been realised in the first three months.

Spices such as pepper, cardamom (large), chilli, coriander, fennel, fenugreek and nutmeg and mace performed better than last year.

Among the value added spices, curry powder and spice oils and oleoresins done better.

In the case of mint products, even though there is a marginal decline of quantity exported, value realized has shown significant improvement.

Performance of some of the items like cardamom (small), ginger, cumin, celery, garlic and vanilla fell short of last year’s performance.

Between April and June 2007, the country exported 7,000 tonnes of pepper valued Rs.97.26 crore, which is higher by 40 per cent in quantity and 137 per cent in value against last year same period achievement of 5,000 tonnes and Rs.41.00 crore.

137 % rise in value

The f.o.b. unit value has increased to 139 a kg from Rs.82 a kg of last year. Indian pepper has become more competitive in the international market especially during May and June 2007.

The report on the over all international supply situation shows that the present trend in pepper export from India is likely to continue for the next few months.