Kochi, Sept. 30 There has been a fall in volume and value of spices’ exports from the country during April-August.
The fall in value realisation was due to a fall in the unit value realisation of major spices such as pepper, small and large cardamom, coriander, cumin and celery in the international markets. Items that showed a positive export trend during August were turmeric, fenugreek, garlic, curry powder, nutmeg and mace.
The volume of exports fell by 10 per cent to 2,01,410 tonnes (2,23,260 tonnes) during the period while value realisation fell by 9 per cent to Rs 2,090 crore (Rs 2,300 crore). Export of spices fetched foreign exchange of $546 million.
The global economic slump is also reported to have reduced demand for some high-end spices and reduced prices in the international markets. But the overall trend continues to be mixed for spices export during the period.
While some spices recorded fall in value and volume of exports, others registered gains.
There was a decline in quantity and value of exports of spices such as pepper, chilly, cumin, vanilla, mint products, spice oils and oleoresins. However exports of cardamom, turmeric, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg, nut mace and curry powder increased in volume and value.
Mint products, spice oil and oleoresins have a significant presence in the export basket. The fall in value realisation of these products has had a telling impact on exports during the period.
Spice oils and oleoresins, including mint products, contributed 35 per cent of the export earnings. Chilly contributed 20 per cent followed by cumin with 10 per cent and turmeric with 8 per cent. Among the processed spices, curry powder exports recorded an increase in volume and value. Curry powder exports increased by 12 per cent in volume to 7,735 tonnes while it gained by 17 per cent in value realisation to Rs 123 crore.
However, the fact that the country was able to achieve a significant share of the export target during the period continues to provide some solace. Against the export target of 4,35,000 tonnes valued at Rs 4,500 crore for the year, the achievement of 2,01,410 tonnes valued at Rs 2,090 crore translates into 46 per cent of volume and 43 per cent of value.
Source : Business Line