A global rally in pepper and chilli prices based on supply shortage helped Indian spices exports for the first six months of the current FY to touch Rs 2100.33 crore. An increase of 22% in terms of quantity and 29% in rupee value terms compared to the same period last year.
In volume terms, 219,640 tonne of spices were exported from the nation as against 180,500 tonne in the same period last year. In dollar terms, the performance was $514.10 million as against $353.90 million in the same period last FY. India has also achieved 60% of the export target in value and volume terms set for 2007-08. Spices Board has set a target of Rs 3,600 crore of exports for 2007-08.
While pepper exports increased by 36.54% in volume terms during the period to touch 17,000 tonne as against 12,450 tonne, the realisation increased by 125%. India got Rs 245.43 crore for exporting pepper during the first six months of 2007-08 as against Rs 108.66 crore in the same period last year. The unit realisation per kilogram increased to Rs 144.37 from Rs 87.28. India exported 1 lakh tonne of chilli as against 58,285 tonne, an increase of 72%.
In value terms, chilli exports rose 93% to Rs 549.25 crore. The unit realisation for chilli was Rs 54.93 per kg as against Rs 48.96 in the comparing period last year. Vanilla, nutmeg, garlic, celery, and cumin showed a decrease in exports during the period while turmeric, ginger and spice oils remained unchanged. Garlic exports fell sharply to only 305 tonne from 10,325 tonne in the same period the previous year.Mint exports for the period stood at 9,000 tonne as against 8,215 tonne and the realisation stood at Rs 574.50 crore.