Last Updated : 24 February 2009 at 14:30 IST

India’s Spices exports rise 17% in April-Jan

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Commodity Online
KOCHI: India’s spices exports in rupee terms rose 17% and in quantity terms rose 5% during 2008-09 April to January period, according to Spices Board.

The spices export during the period is estimated as 3,72,125 tonnes valued Rs.4275.11 crores (956.75 million US $) as against 3,54,875 tonnes valued Rs.3645.32 crores (904.11 million US $) in the corresponding period of the last financial year. Compared to last year, the export has shown an increase of 17% in rupee value an 5% in quantity. In dollar terms, the increase is 6%.

Spice oils and oleoresins including mint products contributed 43% of the total export earnings. Chilli contributed 21% followed by pepper 8%, cumin 7% and turmeric 5%.
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During April-January 2008-09, export of most of the major spices have shown an increasing trend both in terms of quantity and value as compared to the same period of last year. However, exports of Pepper and Garlic have declined both in terms of quantity and value as compared to last year. During the period, export of Chilli, Ginger and Mint Products have declined in quantity only.

During April-January 2008-09, the export of Pepper from India has been 21,600 tonnes valued Rs.356.10 crores as against 29,700 tonnes valued Rs.433.76 crores of last year. The average export price of Pepper has gone up from Rs.146.05 per kg in 2007-08 to Rs.164.86 per kg in 2008-09. The low inventory in the major international markets due to the economic recession is reported to be the major reason for the decline in exports.

During the period, India has exported 1,56,500 tonnes of Chilli and Chilli products valued Rs.891.54 crores as against 1,60,930 tonnes valued Rs.864.40 crores of last year, registering an increase of 3% in value. The traditional buyers of Indian chilli viz. Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka are active in the market. It is expected that, the export will pick up in the coming months as the new crop comes to market.

The export of seed spices has shown an increasing trend both in quantity and value terms as compared to the last year. The export of coriander seed during April-January 2008-09 has been 22,100 tonnes valued Rs.153.79 crores as against 21,725 tonnes valued Rs.89.11 crores of last year registering an increase of 73% in value. The unit value of export has gone up from Rs.41.02/kg. in 2007-08 to Rs.69.59/kg. in 2008-09.

The export of Cumin seed during April-January 2009 has increased considerably and the export has been 29,750 tonnes valued Rs.309.88 crores as against 20,835 tonnes valued Rs.219.71 crores. The export of Cumin has shown an increase of 43% in quantity and 41% in value terms as compared to last year. The export of cumin up to January 2009 is an all time record both in terms of quantity and value. The reported crop failure in other major producing countries viz. Syria, Turkey and Iran has helped India to achieve this substantial increase in the export of cumin.

The export of value added products viz. Curry powder and spice oils & oleoresins have also shown substantial increase both in terms of quantity and value as compared to last year. During April-January 2008-09, a total quantity of 11,500 tonnes of curry powder and masalas valued Rs.138.75 crores has been exported as against 9,500 tonnes valued Rs.91.29 crores of last years. During April-January 2008-09, the export of spice oils and oleoresins has been 6,000 tonnes valued Rs.627.19 crores as against 5340 tonnes valued Rs.449.86 crores of last year registering an increase of 39% in value and 12% in volume.

Against the export target of 4,25,000 tonnes valued Rs.4,350.00 croes (US$ 1025.00) for the year, the achievement of 372,125 tonnes valued Rs.4275.11 crores (US$ 956.75 million) up to January 2009 is 88% in quantity, 98% in rupee value and 93% in dollar terms of value. The export of spices viz. Cardamom (Large), Cumin, Fenugreek, Nutmeg & Mace, Vanilla and Other seed Spices have already achieved the respective targets both in volume and value fixed for the year 2008-09.