The sources said during the period April-December 1998-99, export of spices was estimated at 137,495 tonnes valued Rs 1085.91 crores (260.09 million dollars). This was against the 170,652 tonnes valued at Rs 999.09 crores (275.03 million dollars) achieved in the corresponding period of last year.

The export of fenugreek, spice oils and oleoresins and other spices increased both in terms of quantity and value during April-December 1998-99 compared to the same period in 1997-98, whereas the export of pepper, cardamom (small), turmeric and cumin were higher only in value.

The export of cardamom (large), chilli, ginger, coriander, fennel, other seeds, garlic and curry powder oil, however, declined both in terms of quantity and value.

Pepper export during the period was 22,250 tonnes valued at Rs 420.08 crore (101.05 million dollars) as against 26,554 tonnes valued at Rs 324.75 crore (89.57 million dollars) the previous year.

The average price realised during 1998-99 was Rs 188.80 per kg as against Rs 122.30 per kg in the nine-month period in 1997-98. Pepper continued to lead in spices export earnings with a share of 39 per cent, followed by spice oil and oleoresins (18 per cent) and chilli (8 per cent).