Spices exports clock 23 per cent increase during Apr-Jun

Kochi, Jul 25 (UNI) Exports of spices and spice products from India during April-June 2008 had registered an increase of 23 per cent in terms of quantity and 28 per cent in terms of rupee value.

The cumulative figures for the period was estimated at 1,48,550 tonnes valued at Rs 1375.05 crore (US $ 329.60 million) as against 1,21,180 tonnes valued at Rs 1073.50 crore (US Dollar 260.57 million) in the corresponding period last year, a Spices Board release said here today.

While spice oils and oleoresins, including mint products contributed 35 per cent of the total export earnings, chilli contributed 24 per cent, followed by cumin 11 per cent, pepper nine per cent and turmeric five per cent.

Exports during June 2008 also registered an increase with an export of 44,690 tonnes of spices valued Rs 446.73 crore (104.33 million US Dollar) as against 38,960 tonnes valued Rs 382.77 crore (93.90 million US Dollar) in June 2007.

The major items exported during June 2008 were chilli, cumin, mint products, spice oils, oleoresins, pepper and coriander.

During the period, 7,550 tonnes of pepper valued at Rs 126.23 crore was exported as against 8,600 tonnes valued Rs 121.58 crore of last year.

The average export price of pepper had gone up from Rs 141.37 per kg in 2007 to Rs 167.19 per kg in 2008. Chilli to the tune of 67,000 tonnes valued at Rs 333.53 crore was exported as against 57,625 tonnes valued Rs.321.36 crore of last year, registering an increase of 16 per cent in quantity and four per cent in value terms.

The export of coriander seed has been 10,000 tonnes valued at Rs 62.49 crore as against 6,525 tonnes valued Rs 23.48 crore of last year, registering an increase of 166 per cent in value, release added.

UNI MA KVV 1745