Commodity Online
KOCHI: India has set an all-time record in spices exports in 2007-08 by crossing the $ 1 billion mark in exports.

During 2007-08, India exported 4,44,250 tonnes of spices and spice products valued at Rs 4435.50 crore (US S1101.80 mn), V J Kurien, Chairman, Spices Board said. Export has shown a growth of 19 percent in volume and 39 percent in dollar value. India had exported 3, 73, 750 tonnes valued at Rs 3575.75 cr in 2006-07.

During the year, the export of chilli, pepper, seed spices like coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek and other seeds showed substantial growth in volume and value terms, Kurien said.

The export of value added products and such as curry powder, mint products, spice oils, oleoresins have also shown impressive growth, Kurien said. However, export of some items such as cardamom (large), ginger , turmeric, celery, garlic,nutmeg and mace fell short of expectations.

In the case of cardamom small, the export value has gone up by 11 percent inspite of a decrease of 23 percent due to higher unit realistion.
In the case of vanilla, the competitive price advantage favoured India. Export volume increased 60 percent in 2007-08, however, the value decreased by 11 percent due to lower unit realization, Spices Board Chairman said.