Q1 spices exports up 35%; chilli tops list SPICING IT UP

Boosted by large shipments of chilli, India’s spices exports grew 35 per cent in quantitative terms in the first quarter of the financial year 2017-18.

In value terms, spices worth ~4,489.14 crore were exported during the period, said a Spices Board release on Wednesday. The total export of spices rose to 306,990 tonnes in terms of quantity during April–June 2017, compared to 227,938 tonnes a year ago, it said. Of this, chilli accounted for 133,000 tonnes, fetching ~1,198 crore.

“Chilli has been the most demanded Indian spice and has fulfilled the increasing global demand for quality spices. Moreover, the board’s efforts to promote garlic have resulted in substantial increase in its exports," said board’s Chairman A Jayathilak. Garlic has registered the maximum growth in terms of quantity and value. It contributed substantially to the overall exports, clocking 107 per cent increase in value terms and 169 per cent in quantity. Fennel registered an impressive growth of 92 per cent in quantity and 49 per cent in value through shipments of 13,250 tonnes globally. The exports of other seed spices, such as mustard, aniseed and dill seed grew by 83 per cent in quantity compared to the same period last year and saw a 63 per cent increase in value. Exports Chilli Mintproducts Spice oils & oleoresins Cumin Turmeric 3,997 2,581 2,143 1,531 922 5,071 2,528 2,308 1,963 1,242