Spices exports increased 20% in first 3 quarters of last fiscal

During the corresponding period in 2016, 6.63 lakh tonnes valued at Rs 12,607.46 crore was exported, a Spices board press release said.

In Dollar terms,spices exports were pegged at US 2041.23 million as compared to US 1880.02 million, notching an increase of nine per cent in value.

Large shipments of small cardamom, known as the 'Queen of Spices', cumin, garlic, asafoetida, tamarind and other seeds (ajwain or Bishop's weed, mustard, dill and poppy seed) propelled an increase both in volume and value.

The export of value added products like curry powder,mint products, spice oils and oleoresins also increased in volume and value while export of chilli, coriander, fennel and nutmeg and mace registered an increase in terms of volume only.

"India has been able to sustain the demand for its trademark spices in international markets in the face of stiff competition and stringent food safety regulations that now define the international commodity trade," said Spices Board Chairman Dr A Jayathilak.

Exports of spices like chilli showed a decrease in value despite increase in export volumes, he said, attirubuting it to volatility in international spices trade.

Though Indian spices have become a trusted global brand, there is an imperative need to give a huge impetus to value added products and sustain their quality and flavour, he said. By exporting 353,400 tonnes, chilli earned Rs 3,241.83 crore in April-December 2017 as against 260,250 tonnes and Rs 3,460.83 crore respectively during the same period in 2016.