Exports of Spices Touch All-Time High in 2016-17: Spices Board

India’s spice exports increased 12 per cent to record an all-time high in value as well as volume in 2016-17, according to Spices Board.

The country exported spice products worth Rs 17,664.61 crore and a volume of 9,47,790 tonnes in 2016-17 compared to 8,43,255 tonnes valued at H16,238.23 crore in 2015-16, registering an increase of 12 per cent in volume, nine per cent in rupee terms and six per cent in dollar terms, Spices Board said here on Wednesday.

Chilli continued to be the most sought-after spice in the financial year under review with exports of 4,00,250 tonnes amounting to H5,070.75 crore.

Cumin was the second-most exported spice, recording an increase of 22 per cent in volume and 28 per cent in value. A total volume of 1,19,000 tonnes of cumin valued at H1963.20 crore was exported from India during the period.

“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 Spices Board Chairman A Jayathilak.

Higher global demand for turmeric, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, drove exports to attain figures of 1,16,500 tonnes in volume and crossed H1,241 crore in value terms in 2016-17.

Fennel registered a 129 per cent increase in volume and 79 per cent in value.