Spices export increases 44pc in April

Kochi: During April 2007, the country exported 38,972 tonnes of spices and gained $78.99 million in foreign exchange (Rs 333.03 crore). This was an increase of 44 per cent in quantity of 27,209 tonnes of April last year, 61 per cent growth in rupee realisation (Rs 206.56 crore) and 72 per cent in dollar returns. Chilli contributed the highest in earnings at 38 per cent, followed by spice oils and oleoresins at 36 per cent and pepper at six per cent. All other spices have shown a fall in both quantity and value, other than curry powder exports, which have shown an increase in value alone. During April 2007, chillies export was 22,000 tonnes (6,644 tonnes) valued Rs 126.50 crore (Rs 30.11 crore), recording an increase of 231 per cent in quantity and 320 per cent in value.

Pepper exports amounted to 1,600 tonnes (1,575 tonnes) valued Rs 20.64 crore (Rs 13.18 crore). Cardamom (large) export grew to 200 tonnes (73 tonnes) valued Rs 2 crore (Rs 0.83 crore), reporting an increase of 173 per cent in quantity and 142 per cent in value. Export of coriander was of the order of 2,100 tonnes (1,657 tonnes) valued at Rs 7.24 crore (Rs 6.13 crore). Export of fennel was at 750 tonnes (334 tonnes) valued Rs 4.12 crore (Rs 1.86 crore). Mint exports grew to 1,200 tonnes (997 tonnes) valued Rs 81.60 crore (Rs 54.28 crore). Export of spice oils and oleoresins was up at 455 tonnes (450 tonnes) valued Rs 39.13 crore (Rs 38.11crore).