The Hindu : Business : Import of spices comes down

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 12, 2007
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Business

Business

Import of spices comes down

K. Venkiteswaran

Export of value-added spices shows an upward swing

HIGH VALUE COMMODITY: A north Indian family-run spices shop in Kochi. — PHOTO: K. K. Mustafah

KOCHI: The total import of spices has declined by 15 per cent in volume during April-October 2007 as compared to the same period of last year. As per the import details collected and compiled from the sea ports and land ports, during the year a quantity of 45,875 M.T. of spices valued at Rs.320.64 crore imported as against 53,508 M.T. valued at Rs.367.63 crore in the same period of last year.

According to Spices Board sources here the pepper import has declined to 7,550 tonnes during the year from 12,167 tonnes of last year. Pepper is mainly imported by oleoresin industry for extraction and re-exports. Import of cardamom (large), cassia, turmeric, poppy seed and star anise has also declined during the year. Spices like cardamom (large), clove, cassia, star anise etc. are mainly imported to meet the domestic demand.

During April-October 2007, the export of pepper from India has been 21,100 tonnes valued Rs.303.68 crore, which is higher by 40 per cent in quantity and 116 per cent in value as compared to the last year’s figures of 15,050 tonnes and Rs.140.37 crore. During the period, Indian pepper has become more competitive in the international market as compared to other major producing countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. The export of chilli has almost doubled in the first seven months of this financial year compared to last year. India exported 120,000 tonnes of chilli valued Rs.651.73 crore against 67,933 tonnes valued Rs.339.24 crore last year. The export of chilli accounts for 46 per cent in terms of quantity and 26 per cent in terms of value of the total export of spices from India. Presently India is the main source of red chilli for international market.

The stringent quality measures implemented by the Board, viz. mandatory sampling and analysis for presence of Aflatoxin and adulterant Sudan in export consignment of chilli has made Indian chilli more acceptable in the international markets.

Value added spices

The export of valued added spices like curry powder, spice oils and oleoresins and mint products have shown an increase of 30 per cent, 2 per cent and 18 per cent respectively in terms of value.

During the first seven months of the current financial year 6,480 tonnes of curry powder valued Rs.62.68 crore exported from India as against 5,428 tonnes valued Rs.48.16 crores of last year.

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