Spice exports registers 16% increase, touches a record Rs 4590.50 cr

KOCHI: The spice exports from the country has registered a 16% increase in rupee terms to touch a record Rs 4590.50 crore during the April to February period of the current fiscal as compared to the same period of last year. The achievement till February 2009 was 105.5% of the rupee value target fixed for entire year.

In quantity terms the exports increased by 2 % to touch 395775 tonnes during the April to February period. As against the target fixed for the whole year the achievement was 93.1% till February 2009.

In dollar terms, the exports increased by 4% to touch US $ 1020.95 million during April to February period of the financial year. In terms of the target for the whole year, the achievement till February 2009 stood at 99.6%.

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%).

During April to February 2008-09, 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 last year.

However, export of pepper declined both in terms of quantity and value as compared to last year. Export of chilli, ginger and mint products have declined in quantity only.

During the period India has exported 166,000 tonnes of chilli and chilli products valued at Rs 947.35 crore as against 176255 tonnes valued at Rs 940.12 crore last year.

The export of seed spices has shown an increase both in quantity and value terms as compared to the previous year.

Export of value added products like curry powder and spice oils and oleoresins have also shown a substantial increase both in terms of quantity and value as compared to the same period last year.