Spices export jumps 21 % in Q1

KOCHI: The export of spices has registered 21 % increase in value for the April-June 2011 period. In terms of quantity, there is, however, a 26 % decline. The export touched 1,16,900 tonnes valued at Rs 1885.24 crore. At $ 421.55 million, the rise in earnings in dollar terms is 23 %. In the same period in the previous year, the total spices export touched 1,57,850 tonnes valued at Rs 1560.47 crore.

The export of pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg etc has risen in both volumes and value. Chilli, coriander, cumin, curry powder have recorded a decline in export. Mint and spice oils and oleoresins fell in quantity terms but rose in value.

Pepper export clocked 5750 tonnes valued at Rs 150.37 crore registering 21 % rise in quantity and 88 % rise in value. Small cardamom export went up by 219 % in quantity and 175 % in value at 590 tonnes valued at Rs 58.19 crore. Chilli, the single largest spice export item, fell by 37 % in quantity and 6 % in value at 40,500 tonnes valued at Rs 365.75 crore. At 3150 tonnes valued around Rs 371.70 crore mint products showed 12 % fall in quantity and 51 % increase in value. Spice oils and oleoresins export was at 1820 tonnes valued at Rs 300.95 crore, down by 2 per cent in quantity and up by 46 % in value.