Spice exports target set at Rs 1,718 cr

The Spices Board has set an ambitious export of target of Rs 1,718 crore for 1998-99. It expects to export 2,48,050 tonnes of spices during ...

The Spices Board has set an ambitious export of target of Rs 1,718 crore for 1998-99. It expects to export 2,48,050 tonnes of spices during the period.

The board had managed to surpass its export targets for last two consecutive years. In 1996-97 the export earnings were Rs 1,230 crore and in 1997-98, the shipments brought in Rs 1,352 crore against the target of Rs 1,200 crore.

Exports of pepper, ginger and the high-value spice oils and oleoresins have brought in more foreign exchange than targeted. However, the quantity exported during the period declined compared to the previous year. Exports of chilli, celery, fenugreek and garlic have declined both in quantity as well as in value terms.

The decline in chilli exports is mainly because of a fall in exports to Pakistan and Bangladesh who are having a good crop, said KPG Menon, director of marketing, Spices Board. He said that the decline in pepper exports was on account of a fall in production coupled with holding of stock by some growers inanticipation of higher prices.

Though cardamom has seen a marginal increase in exports, output this year is likely to be lower due to severe weather conditions, said Menon. Exports are likely to decline with the lower-priced Guatemalan variety meeting most of the global demand, he said. Guatemala produces about 15,000-16,000 tonnes annually.

The Spices Board has also planned a campaign to increase the domestic consumption of cardamom, said Menon. The two new auction centres in Delhi and Mumbai will help in making the commodity easily available in the northern states.

The export promotion schemes started by the Spices Board would be showing results in the current year, said Menon, justifying the increased export target.

Story continues below this ad

Any registered exporter can avail of the board8217;s help to upgrade process, laboratory and adopt ISO 9000 certificate.

The board also helps in sending export promotion delegation abroad, arranging stalls for participating in international fairs, assistance for research and developmentand consultancy for brand name registration for getting Spice House Certificate and Indian Spice logo.

The board has also introduced sub pages of spice exporters in its Website on the Internet. The exporting firms get a good projection about the company and its activities which has resulted in receiving on an average ten trade enquiries a day, said Menon.

The board has decided to give a full page to those exporters who have obtained Logo or Spice House Certificate to project their products and company profile, Menon said.