Spices exports grew 5% in volume terms during Apr-Dec 2016-17

The Dollar Business Bureau

Supported by the huge shipments of cumin, mace, nutmeg and garlic, exports of spices from India recorded a 5% growth in volume in the first six months of the financial year 2016-17 and increased to Rs.8415.97 crore during the given period, witnessing a 7% increase in terms of value.

The overall value of spices exports was Rs.7892.65 crore during the same period during the last financial year.

Spices export surged to 4,37,360 tonnes during the period April-September 2016, against 4,14,780 tonnes in the corresponding period of FY 2015-16.

“Chilli became the most exported spice for the April-September 2016 period with the shipment of 1,65,000 tonnes, fetching Rs.2307.75 crore,” according to  a release by Spices Board on Wednesday.

The exports of garlic contributed considerably to the total growth during the given period, after increasing 132% in terms of value and 55% in terms of quantity, the release said.

The exports of mace and nutmeg recorded a growth of 81% in quantity against the last year and witnessed a 69% increase in terms of value, it said.

The exports of cumin grew 49% to 68,600 tonnes, against the 45,894 tonnes during the first half of the previous financial year.

Besides fennel and celery, turmeric also significantly contributed to the overall spices exports during first six months of FY2016-17.

The exports of value-added products such as curry powder and paste, and also spice oils and oleoresins recorded an increase during the given period, added the release.