Spices Board sees India`s exports touching $1.2 billion in 2008-09

The spices industry promotional body has set an export target of 450,000-460,000 tonnes in volume terms in 2008-09, he said. In 2007-08, India exported 445,250 tonnes of spices, up 19 per cent.

In value terms, exports rose 39 per cent to $1.10 billion (Rs 4,700 crore).

"This year we expect spices exports to grow, and chilli, cumin seed, coriander seed, and turmeric are likely to do well," Kurian said.

Exports of these commodities are likely to go up due to lower output in other exporting nations, and strong demand globally, he said.

Kurian had earlier said cumin seed output in Syria is facing problems due to unfavourable climatic conditions. This will help Indian exports, he had said.

Coriander crop output in Bulgaria and Romania is also expected to be lower due to drought, traders said. Chilli crop output in China is expected to fall due to decline in acreage, while in Pakistan the crop has been affected due to unfavourable climate, traders said.