Spices basket swells 26%

Exports basket of spices has swollen by 26 per cent during in the first five months (April-August) of 2007-08 to 187,000 tonnes. In value term, it rose by 34 per cent to Rs 1725.08 crore against Rs 1290 crore last year.

The country has already achieved 49 per cent of the targeted figure of 380,000 tonnes for the current financial year. On the value front, 48 per cent of the target has been achieved. In 2006-07, 373,750 tonnes (7 per cent growth) of spices were shipped, earning a revenue of Rs 3575.75 crore, up 36 per cent over the previous financial year.

Black pepper exports in value term surged 124 per cent to Rs 183.39 crore as prices more than doubled in the global market.

During the period, 12,900 tonnes were exported against 9,853 tonnes last year. Fenugreek exports rose 89 per cent to 6,350 tonnes valued at Rs 17.22 crore. Garlic, however, suffered a serious set back on exports front with a 97 per cent drop. During the period, only 295 tonnes (valued at Rs 1.79 crore) were shipped against last year's 9,788 tonnes (worth Rs 17.11 crore).

Export of coriander increased by 34 per cent in both tonnage and value to 10,650 tonnes and Rs 39.92 crore respectively. Curry powder and paste logged 17 per cent growth at 4,600 tonnes valued at Rs 43.43 crore. Fennel grew by 34 per cent.