Spice exports rise 16% in Re terms in Apr-Feb FY09

KOCHI: Spice export from the country has registered a 16% increase in rupee terms to touch a record Rs 4,590.50 crore during the April-February period of the current fiscal as compared to the same period in last year. The achievement till February 2009 was 105.5% of the rupee value target fixed for the entire year.

In quantity terms, the exports increased by 2% to touch 3,95,775 tonne during the April-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 $1,020.95 million during the April-February period. 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-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 only in quantity.

During the period, India has exported 166,000 tonne of chilli and chilli products valued at Rs 947.35 crore as against 1,76,255 tonne 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.