Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010356011500.htm

Business

Uptrend in spices exports

Special Correspondent

April-November 2008 figures show 15 per cent increase in value terms

Spice oils, oleoresins contribute
42 per cent of total exports
Chilli and chilli products shipment
touch 1.32 lakh tonnes

KOCHI: Spices export during April-November 2008 was estimated at 3,10,830 tonnes, valued at Rs.3,450.50 crore ($786.25 million) as against the 2,94,335 tonnes valued at Rs.3,010.25 crore ($742.95 million) in the corresponding period last year.

The figures show an increase of 15 per cent in terms of money value and six per cent in quantity. In dollar terms, the increase is six per cent.

Spice oils and oleoresins, including mint products, contributed 42 per cent of the total export earnings.

Chilli contributed 21 per cent followed by cumin, eight per cent; pepper, eight per cent and turmeric, five per cent.

During the period, the export of most of the major spices had shown an increasing trend both in terms of quantity and value as compared to the same period last year.

However, export of pepper and mint products declined in terms of quantity and value.

During the period, export of ginger and chilli declined in terms of quantity.

The export of pepper from India was 16,850 tonnes, valued Rs.281.77 crore as against the 25,230 tonnes valued Rs.365.36 crore last year.

The average export price of pepper went up 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 was 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 as against the 1,34,285 tonnes valued Rs.727.84 crore last year.

The traditional buyers of Indian chilli viz. Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka continued their buying this year. The reported lower output from other producing countries and mandatory quality testing of chilli reportedly helped India in achieving this higher level of export in chilli.

The export of seed spices also showed an increase in quantity and value terms.

The export of coriander seed during April-November 2008 touched 18,500 tonnes, valued Rs.128.43 crore as against the 17,180 tonnes valued Rs.69.09 crore last year. This is an increase of 86 per cent in value and 8 per cent in quantity terms. The export of cumin seed was put at 27,300 tonnes valued at Rs.284.93 crore as against 16,520 tonnes valued at Rs.174.83 crore.

The reported crop failure in other major producing countries like Syria, Turkey and Iran helped India to achieve this level.