Last Updated : 29 July 2009 at 15:55 IST

India's spices exports dip 12% in value

SHARE THIS STORY

KOCHI (Commodity Online): India’s spices export has fallen by 12% in rupee value and 19% in volumes in April-June 2009.
Spices Board said that a total quantity of 122,515 tonnes of spices valued Rs.1230.18 crores (252.24 million US $) has been exported as against 150,920 tonnes valued Rs.1400.80 crores (336.25 million US $) in April- June 2008.

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 33% of the total export earnings. Chilli contributed 19% followed by Cumin 12% and Turmeric 8%.

During April- June 2009, the export of Cardamom Small, Cardamom Large, Coriander, Celery, Fennel, Fenugreek, Nutmeg & Mace, Curry Powder, 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, Cumin, Vanilla, Mint Products and Spice Oils & Oleoresins have shown decline both in terms of quantity and value as compared to the same period of last year.
Explore Commodity Online Mobile Services

During April- June 2009, we have exported 5,000 tonnes of pepper valued Rs.74.87 crores as against 7,430 tonnes valued Rs.124.78 crores of last year. During the period, export of pepper to US, EU and other major destinations, has declined compared to April- June 2008. The export of chilli during April-June 2009 has been 37,500 tonnes valued Rs.228.71 crores as against 67,100 tonnes valued Rs.333.82 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 22,000 MT of Chilli during the first quarter of 2008-09.

The export of Turmeric during April-June 2009 has been 15,500 MT valued Rs.97.78 crores as against 15,825 MT valued Rs.66.98 crores in April-June 2008, registering an increase of 46% in value. The export of Coriander seed has also increased from 10,245 MT valued Rs.64.09 crores in April-June 2008 to 14,500 MT valued Rs.71.30 crores in April-June 2009. Export of Nutmeg and Mace has shown substantial increase during April-June 2009 and the export has been 725 MT valued Rs.18.95 crores as against 125 MT valued Rs.4.34 crores of last year.

Among the processed spices, export of curry powder has increased by 16% in volume and 27% in value terms. However, export of spices extracts and mint products during the first quarter of 2009-10 have declined as compared to the same period of last year This is mainly due to the low inventories in the major markets like US, EU etc.

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 122515 tonnes valued Rs.1230.18 crores (US$ 252.24 million) during April-June 2009 is 28% in quantity, 27% in rupee value and 25% in dollar terms of value.