Spice export declines in volume but rises in value

Decline in export of chilli, seed spices and garlic has led to lower volume of spices exports during the first five months of the current financial year. However, higher unit realisation from most of the spices helped the spices sector to register gains in rupee and dollar value realisation for the period.

According to data released by the state-run Spices Board, during April-August 2011, a total of 1,95,500 tonne of spices and spice products valued R3,365.20 crore has been exported from the country as against 2,55,100 tonne valued R2,676.18crore in April-August 2010 registering an increase of 26 percent in rupee terms of value. In dollar terms, the increase is 29% while volume of exports has declined by 23%.

According to Spices Board data, India exported 5,25,750 tonne of spices valued at R6840.71 crore during 2010-11, as against 5,02,750 tonne valued at R5,560.50 crore during 2009-10. Interestingly, the Spices Board had revised downwards the target for the last FY due to the economic slowdown in the US and EU market. The spices export target for the FY 2010-11 stands at 4,65,000 tonne valued R5100 crore.

During April-August 2011, export of pepper, cardamom (small), cardamom (large), ginger, turmeric, nutmeg & mace and other spices like tamarind and asafetida have shown an increase both in volume and value as compared to April-August 2010.

During April-August 2011, the export of value added product, curry powder has increased both in volume and value but in the case of spice oils and oleoresins and mint products, the increase is in terms of value only.

During the last FY, a total quantity of 2,40,000 tonne of chilli valued at R1,535.54 crore have been exported as against 2,04,000 tonne valued R 1291.73 crore of last year, registering an increase of 18 % in quantity and 19% in value.

Pepper exports have managed to record a gain during the period. During the April-August period, a total quantity of 8,750 tonne of pepper valued R234.35 crore have been exported as against 7,800 tonne valued R134.82 crore of April-August 2010.