Commodity Online KOCHI: India’s spices exports plunged by 23% to 82,435 tonnes, which valued 824.67 crores during the April- May 2009 as against 106,375 tonnes valued Rs.920.96 crores (223.95 million US $) in April- May 2008.
Compared to last year, the export has shown a decline of 10% in rupee value and 23% in export volume. The major spices exported during the period are Chilli, Mint Products, Spice oils & oleoresins, Cumin, Turmeric and Pepper. The Spice oils & oleoresins including mint products contributed 32% of the total export earnings. Chilli contributed 19% followed by Cumin 13% and Turmeric 8%.
During April- May 2009, the export of Cardamom Small, Cardamom Large, Turmeric, Coriander, Celery, Fennel, Nutmeg & Mace, Other seeds and Misc. spices are higher in terms of both quantity and value as compared to the same period of last year.
However, export of spices viz. Pepper, Chilli, Vanilla, Mint Products and Spice Oils & Oleoresins have shown decline both in terms of quantity and value as compared to last year.
Trade sitting at the comfort of home. Start with a mere 50$
During April- May 2009, we have exported 3,000 tonnes of pepper valued Rs.47.48 crores as against 5,580 tonnes valued Rs.91.96 crores of last year. During the period, export of pepper to US, the major buyer, has declined to 950 MT from about 2000 MT exported in April- May 2008. The export of chilli during April-May 2009 has been 26,000 tonnes valued Rs.159.71 crores as against 50,275 tonnes valued Rs.242.11 crores of last year.
The decline in export of Chilli is mainly due to the absence of Pakistan from the market. Last year they have imported 20,000 MT of Chilli during April-May 2008.
The export of Turmeric during April-May 2009 has been 10,500 MT valued Rs.64.50 crores as against 9,010 MT valued Rs.35.40 crores in April-May 2008, registering an increase of 17% in volume and 52% in value.
The export of Coriander seed has also increased from 7575 MT valued Rs.46.07 crores in April-May 2008 to 9,250 MT valued Rs.47.55 crores in April-May 2009. Export of Nutmeg and Mace has shown substantial increase during April-May 2009 and the export has been 450 MT valued Rs.11.42 crores as against 65 MT valued Rs.2.04 crores of last year.
Against the export target of 4,35,000 tonnes valued Rs.4, 500.00 croes (US$ 1000.00 million) for the year, the achievement of 82,435 tonnes valued Rs.824.67 crores (US$ 167.41 million) during April-May 2009 is 19% in quantity, 18% in rupee value and 17% in dollar terms of value.
