Spice exports up 7 pct in 2009/10

India's total spices exports in the financial year 2009/10 hit an all time high both in terms of volume and value, Spices Board Data showed late on Friday.

Total spices exports in April-March 2009/10 stood at 5,02,750 tonnes up 7 percent from 4,70,520 tonnes in the year-ago period.

Chilli exports rose nearly 9 percent to 2,04,000 tonnes in 2009/10 against a year ago period. The few spices to show a decline in exports included pepper, cumin and turmeric.

Pepper exports fell 22 percent to 19,750 tonnes in April-March 2009/10 from the year-earlier period as exports to main consuming countries such as the U.S. and Europe declined.

Cumin exports fell 5 percent to 49,750 tonnes. Turmeric exports in April-March 2009/10 slipped 3 percent to 50,750 tonnes.