Spice export up 14% to touch Rs 2,660 crore

KOCHI: Spice exports from the country have registered a 14% increase to touch Rs 2,660.75 crore in the April-September period of this fiscal as compared to the same period of the previous year. The quantity of exports increased by 8% to 2,53,550 tonne during the period.

In dollar terms, the exports increased by 9% to $624.15 million during the first six months of the current year. Spice oils and oleoresins including mint products contributed 40% of the total export earnings. Chilli contributed 22%, followed by cumin 9%, pepper 8% and turmeric 5%.

During the April-September 2008, the 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 previous year. However, the export of pepper and mint products have declined both in terms of quality and value as compared to the previous year.

During the period, the exports of ginger and nutmeg have declined in quantity only. During the period, India has exported 1,09,000 tonne of chilli valued at Rs 581.18 crore as against 1,08,760 tonne valued at Rs 590.37 crore of the previous year. Apart from the traditional buyers of Indian chilli like Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, Pakistan was active in the market.