India targeting spices exports of $2.3 billion in FY14

KOCHI: With global demand for spices and spices products rising, India is targeting exports of 2.3 billion US dollars in 2013-14 fiscal even as Rs 9,433 crore worth spices were shipped during April-December last year.

The total volume of spices and spices products exported in the nine month period of April-December 2013 was 5,71,680 tonnes, valued at Rs 9,433 crore, a 41 per cent growth in rupee terms and 27 per cent both in volume and dollar terms.

During the same period of the previous fiscal, as much as 4,49,926 tonnes valued at Rs 6,696 crore ($1232 million) was exported, Spices Board chairman A Jayathilak told reporters here last night.

For 2014-15 fiscal also the board was targeting spices exports of $2.3 billion, he said.

With organic spices accounting for only less than two per cent in the export basket, the Board would give thrust in this regard, especially in the North eastern region, he said, adding it has vast potential.
Jayathilak observed that area under pepper cultivation and subsequently its quantity was showing a decline.

While 10 years ago India produced one lakh tonnes of pepper, now it stood at 50,000 tonnes, he said attributing labour problems and diseases for the slide.

Pepper and cardamom (small) exports showed a marked increase of 41 per cent and 23 per cent in value with corresponding export volumes of 15,350 tonnes and 2080 tonnes.

During April-December 2013, exports of pepper and cardamom (small) were valued at Rs 651 crore and Rs 164 crore against Rs 462 crore and Rs 134 crore in the same period of the previous year.

The export performance of Mint, chilly, value added products and seed spices points to a promising future for the Indian spice industry, he said.

Currently, 92 per cent of the target in terms of volume and 91 per cent in terms of value set for spices export in 2013-14 fiscal has been achieved, he added.

The seed spice basket has registered 78 per cent increase in volume and 89 per cent in value during the nine month period against the same period of previous year.

During the period, a total volume of 1,93,625 tonnes of seed spices valued at Rs 1,906 crore was exported compared to 1,09,067 tonnes valued at Rs 1,008 crore in corresponding period of the previous year.

Cumin registered a prominent increase of 89 per cent in volume and 83 per cent in value with a total export volume of 96,500 tonnes valued at Rs 1,282 crore. Coriander made a notable growth of 48 per cent in volume and 120 per cent in value. A total volume of 34,000 tonnes of coriander valued at Rs 272 crore were exported during this period.

Among the new initiatives being planned by the board is domestic promotion of cardamom and other value added products and revamping the cardamom marketing system.

The board will focus on launching a Brand India campaign for promotion of processed, value added, innovative branded products, he said, adding that stress would also be on strengthening of laboratories and testing facilities.

Mint and Mint products, including mint oils, menthol and menthol crystals topped the item wise list in terms of value with an export turnover of Rs 2,202 crore and 17,850 tonnes in volume, marking an increase of 94 per cent in volume and 39 per cent in value.

During April-December 2012, exports of Mint and Mint products stood at 9,210 tonnes valued at Rs 1,582 crore.

Value added products like spice oils and oleoresins saw a 46 per cent growth in volume and 37 per cent in value during the nine month period of this fiscal.

On the other hand, Pepper and cardamom (small) showed an increase of 41 per cent and 23 per cent in value with an export volume of 15,350 tonnes and 2080 tonnes respectively.

During April-Dec 2013, exports of pepper and cardamum (small) were valued at Rs 651 crore and Rs 164 crore against Rs 462 crore and Rs 134 crore respectively in the same period of previous year.