Spices exports up 5% by volume in 1st half of FY 2016-17

Total value of exports was Rs 7892.65 crore during the corresponding period last FY

Boosted by large shipments of nutmeg, mace, cumin and garlic, spices exports from India grew 5% in volume in the first half of FY 2016-17 and rose to Rs 8415.97 crore during the period, registering a seven per cent increase in value.

The total value of exports was Rs 7892.65 crore during the corresponding period last financial year.

"Export of spices rose to 4,37,360 tonnes during April-September 2016, compared to 4,14,780 tonnes in the first half of FY 2015-16."

"Chilli became the most exported spice for the April-September 2016 period with the shipment of 1,65,000 tonnes, fetching Rs 2307.75 crore," a Spices Board release said here on Wednesday.

Garlic exports contributed substantially to the overall growth during the period, after rising 132 per cent in value terms and 55 per cent in quantity, it said.

The exports of nutmeg and mace grew by 81 per cent in quantity as compared to last year and saw a 69 per cent increase in value, the release said.

Cumin exports rose by 49 per cent to 68,600 tonnes, as compared to 45,894 tonnes during the same period in the previous year.

Turmeric, apart from fennel and celery, also contributed significantly to the total spices exports during April-September 2016.

The export of value-added products like curry powder and paste as well as spice oils and oleoresins also increased during the period, the release added.