Spices Export Aim Increased To $880mn

Coonoor: The Spices Board is aiming an export turnover of $880 million this fiscal against $800 million last year. The Board has set an aim of $10 billion exportsby 2017. The Board envisages a drastic decline in the area under cardamom this year. Its export took a beating from 863 tonnes in 2005-06 to 650 tonnes the following year. Between April and July 2007, only 145 tonnes were exported. The average auction price, however, moved upwards from Rs 313/kg last year to over Rs 400/kg this year. The Board has recommended a Special Purpose Fund for replantation and rejuvenation of cardamom on a total outlay of Rs 211.35 cr during the 10th Plan Period. 'The scheme awaits Government approval.