Spices Exports Record 11 Per Cent Growth

Export of spices during April 1996 to January 1997 registered an increase of 11 per cent in terms of quantity and 49 per cent in value over the previous period.

According to sources from the Spices Board, 1,73,195 tonnes of spices were exported during the period, fetching Rs 880.34 crore as against the Rs 590.73 crore revenue earned from export of 1,55,402 tonnes during April-January 1995-96. The increase in value over last year was mainly due to the higher export of pepper and the better unit value realisation in respect of chilli, turmeric, cumin, fennel, mint oil and spice oils and oleoresins, sources said.

 

During the period, export of pepper, ginger, coriander, cumin, celery, garlic, curry powder, mint oil, spice oils and oleoresins has increased in terms of both quantity and value whereas export of chilli, turmeric and fennel has risen in terms of value only.

The export of pepper during April-January 1996-97 registered a significant increase of 105 per cent in terms of quantity and 122 per cent in value when compared to the corresponding period last year.

The export target fixed in terms of value for the financial year has already been exceeded, while 88 per cent of the target fixed in terms of quantity has been realised.

The target in the export of ginger, coriander and mint oil has already been achieved, both in terms of quantity and value, while chilli, cumin and fennel export have exceeded in value term.

During January 1997 alone, an estimated 21,403 tonnes of spices valued at Rs 138.29 crore have been exported. In comparison, in January 1996, 18,133 tonnes valued at Rs 66.88 crore were exported.

The export of pepper, turmeric, cumin, celery, fennel,fenugreek, garlic, curry powder, mint oil and spice oils and oleoresins in January 1997 has also been higher in terms of both quantity and value as compared to the export during the same period last year.