Kochi, Oct 14: The cumulative spices export during the first four months of April-August of the current financial year is estimated at 92,055 tonnes valued at Rs 775.50 crore ($180.34 million) as against 98,558 tonnes valued Rs 742.19 crore ($179.00 million) in the corresponding period last year.Compared to last year, the export has registered a decrease of seven per cent in quantity, whereas an increase of four per cent in value. In dollar terms of value, there is an increase of one per cent, according to Spices Board sources here.
In the export earnings pepper contributed 47 per cent followed by spices oils and oleoresins (13 per cent) and chilli (13 per cent).
During April-August 1999 the export of pepper, chilli and curry powder was higher in terms of both quantity and value as compared to April-August 1998. The spices that showed decline both in quantity and value were: ginger, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, otherseeds, garlic and spice oleoresins and other oils. In the case of cardamom (small), cardamom (large), turmeric and mint oils ther was increase in value only, the sources said.
Pepper export during April-August '99 was 19,500 tonnes valued Rs 363.80 crore as against 16,736 tonnes valued Rs 305.60 crore in April-August '98. The averaqe unit price realised during April-August '99 was Rs 186.56 per kg against 182.60 per kg in Apr-August '98.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.