Export of Indian Spices Gain All-Time High in 2016-17

On the basis of high demand in international markets, Indian spices and spice products export have gained a new record in volume and value. During 2016-17, a total of 9, 47,790 tonnes valued Rs.17664.61 crore ($ 2633.30 million) has been exported from the country against the previous year.

KJ Staff Updated 12 July, 2019 12:00 PM IST

It registered an increase of 12 per cent in volume, nine percent in rupee terms and six percent in dollar terms from a year ago. In 2015-16 export came to 8, 43,255 tonnes valued at Rs.16238.23 crore ($ 2482.83 million).

Chilli continued to be the most demanded spice in 2016-17 with the export of 4,00,250 tonnes amounting to Rs 5,070.75 crores, registering an increase of 15 percent in volume and 27 percent in value.

Cumin was the second-most exported spice, recording an increase of 22 per cent in volume and 28 percent in value. A total volume of 1, 19,000 tonnes of cumin valued at Rs.1963.20 crore was exported from India in 2016-17.

“India has surpassed all previous export records and has fulfilled the increasing international demand for its quality spices in the face of tough competition in global markets. More satisfying was the fact that the appreciable increase in exports came in the face of strict food safety regulations that now define and determine the international commodity trade,” said Dr A. Jayathilak, Chairman, and Spices Board.

Increased global demand for turmeric, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, drove its exports to attain figures of 1, 16,500 tonnes in volume and crossed Rs 1,241 crores in value terms in 2016-17.

The spice which showed the maximum increase as compared to the previous financial year was fennel, registering a 129 per cent increase in volume and 79 per cent in value. Export of garlic, nutmeg and mace and celery also increased.

First published on: 15 Jun 2017, 22:51 IST

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