Spices export up by 15 pc in value

Kochi, Dec 29 (PTI) Spices export during April-Novemberperiod this year increased by 15 per cent in value and six percent in quantity terms, as compared with the same period lastyear. The total export during the period touched 3,10,830tonnes, valued at Rs 3,450.50 crore (786.25 million USD). Indollar terms, the increase was six per cent, spices board saidin a press release here. During the corresponding period last fiscal, about2,94,335 tonnes valued at Rs 3,010.25 crore (742.95 million USDollar) were exported. During April-November 2008, export of most of the majorspices have shown an increasing trend both in terms ofquantity and value as compared with the same period lastyear. However, export of pepper and mint products declinedboth in terms of quantity and value as compared with lastyear. Export of Ginger and Chilli have declined only inquantity during the period. During April-November 2008, export of pepper from Indiahad been 16,850 tonnes valued Rs 281.77 crore, as against25,230 tonnes valued Rs 365.36 crore of last year. The average export price of pepper has gone up from Rs144.81 per kg in 2007 to Rs 167.22 per kg in 2008. Lowinventory in the major international markets due to theeconomic recession is reported to be the major reason for thedecline in exports. Spice oils and oleoresins, including mint productscontributed 42 per cent of the total export earnings. Chillicontributed 21 per cent followed by cumin (eight per cent),pepper (eight per cent) and Turmeric (five per cent). During the period, India has exported 1,32,000 tonnes ofchilli and chilli products valued Rs 729.68 crore, as against1,34,285 tonnes valued Rs 727.84 crore last year. The traditional buyers of Indian Chilli -- Malaysia,Indonesia and Sri Lanka continued their buying this year also.The reported lower output from other producing countries andmandatory quality testing of Chilli and Chilli products by theBoard have helped India to achieve this higher level of Chilliexport. Export of seed spices have also shown an increasingtrend both in terms of quantity and value, as compared withthat of last year. Coriander seed export during April-November thisyear has been 18,500 tonnes valued Rs 128.43 crore, as against17,180 tonnes valued Rs.69.09 crore of last year registeringan increase of 86 per cent in value and eight per cent inquantity. The unit value of export has also gone up from Rs 40.21per kg in 2007 to Rs 69.42 per kg in 2008. Export of cumin seed during the said period hasincreased considerably and export has been 27,300 tonnesvalued Rs 284.93 crore, as against 16,250 tonnes valuedRs 174.83 crores. It marked an increase of 65 per cent in quantity and 63per cent in value terms as compared to last year. Thereported crop failure in other major producing countries--Syria, Turkey and Iran -- has helped India to achieve thissubstantial increase in the export of cumin, the releasesaid. (MORE) PTI