H1 spices exports top Rs 2,100 crore

Kochi, Nov. 5 Spices exports during the first half of the current fiscal have shown a sharp rise with the shipments touching 2,19,640 tonnes, valued Rs 2,100.34 crore ($514.10 million).

Compared to the export performance of 1,80,500 tonnes valued Rs 1,627.52 crore ($353.90 million) in the same period last fiscal, the achievement during the year is higher by 22 per cent in quantity, 45 per cent in dollar terms, and 29 per cent in rupee terms and of value.

As against the target of 3,80,000 tonnes valued at Rs 3,600 crore ($875 million) set for the year, 58 per cent of quantity and 59 per cent of value have been realised in the first six months, a Spices Board release said.

Spices like pepper, cardamom (large), chilli, coriander, fennel, fenugreek and other miscellaneous spices performed better than last year. Among the value-added spices, curry powder, spice oils and oleoresins and mint products have done better compared to last year.

Shipments of some of the items like cardamom (small), ginger, cumin, celery, garlic and vanilla fell short of last year’s performance.
Pepper, chilli trend

During April-September 2007, the country exported 17,000 tonnes of pepper valued Rs 245.43 crore, which is higher by 37 per cent in quantity and 126 per cent in value compared to last year’s 12,450 tonnes and Rs 108.66 crore.

The f.o.b unit value increased to Rs 144.37 a kg from Rs 87.28 a kg last year. During the period, Indian pepper became more competitive in the international market compared with other major producing countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

During the first half of this financial year, 1-lakh tonnes of chilli valued Rs 549.25 crore were shipped against 58,285 tonnes valued at Rs 285.38 crore last year. The demand from traditional buyers such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Bangladesh are on the rise. The export of chilli accounts for 46 per cent in terms of quantity and 26 per cent in terms of value of the total export of spices from India.

Currently, India is the main source of red chilli for the international market. After the lean production last year, the new Chinese crop will reach the market only by October. Pakistan and the other producers may require a large portion of their September crops for internal consumption