Spices exports up 31 per cent during H1, FY14

Helped by chilly and cumin, India's spices exports grew 31 per cent year-on-year to 3.78 lakh tonnes valued at $1 billion during the April-September period of this fiscal.

"The two main contributors in the exports growth are chilly and cumin shipments. India produces one of the best quality spices. Demand is high in countries like the US," Director (Marketing) Spices Board K C Babu said.

During April-September 2012, India exported spices worth $787.49 million.

In the first six months of the fiscal, chilly and cumin exports have registered a growth of 6 per cent and 93 per cent, respectively, according to data of the Board.

Other spices that contributed in the exports growth include pepper, turmeric, fennel and cardamom.

In quantity terms, the country exported 3.78 lakh tonnes during April-September 2013 as against 3.14 lakh tonnes during the same period last year.

The United States continues to be the largest export destination for India. Other major countries include Malaysia, the UAE, China, Germany, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

Spices exports rose by 22 per cent to 6,99,170 tonnes during 2012-13. In terms of value, spices exports increased by 14 per cent to Rs 11,171.16 crore during 2012-13 from Rs 9,783.42 crore in 2011-12. The exports, in terms of both quantity and value, were higher than the target.

The board had fixed the spices exports target at 5,66,000 tonnes and Rs 8,200 crore for 2012-13.

India is the world's leading spice producer, exporter and consumer.