Spices exports up during April-July 2008

Export of all major spices has increased by 15 per cent in terms of quantity and 20 per cent in rupee value in April-July this fiscal, as compared with that in the same period last year, Spices Board said.      

The cumulative spices export during the period of April-July 2008 was estimated as 185,255 tonnes valued at Rs 1,835.29 crore ($437.10 million) as against 161,577 tonnes valued at Rs 1,525.47 crore ($372.42 million) in the corresponding period last year.     

However, in case of export of spices like pepper, ginger, nutmeg, mace and mint products there has been a decreasing trend both in terms of quality and value.

In case of export of celery and other miscellaneous spices, the increase is in terms of value only.     

Spice oils and oleoresins including mint products contributed 38 per cent of the total export earnings while chilli contributed 23 per cent followed by cumin 10 per cent, pepper 9 per cent and turmeric 5 per cent.     

During July 2008, a total quantity of 35,215 tonnes of spices valued at Rs 447.59 crore have been exported as against 40,435 tonnes valued at Rs 451.96 crore in July 2007.     

During April-July 2008, export of pepper from India has been 9,500 tonnes valued at Rs 160.55 crore as against 12,050 tonnes valued at Rs 173.17 crore last year.