KOCHI: Buoyed by large shipments of chilli, spices export grew 35 per cent in quantity in the April- June quarter of 2017–18. Chilli became the most exported spice during the period with a shipment of 1,33,000 tonnes, fetching Rs 1,198 crore. “Chilli has been the most desirable Indian spice, thanks to international demand for quality spices in the global market. The board’s effort to promote garlic increased its’ export,” said Spices Board chairman A Jayathilak. Garlic registered the maximum growth in terms of quantity and value, rising 169 per cent and 107 per cent respectively. Fennel registered a growth of 92 per cent in quantity and 49 per cent in value through global shipment of 13,250 tonnes.
The export of other spices such as mustard, aniseed and dill seed grew by 83 per cent in quantity and 63 per cent in value, compared to the same period last year.During the period, 1,220 tonnes of small cardamom, valued at Rs.134.55 crore, was exported as against 1,106 tonnes worth Rs.90.81 crore last year, registering an increase of 10 per cent in quantity and 48 per cent in value. Ginger, along with mint products, added to the overall spices export. The total export of spices rose to 3,06,990 tonnes in terms of quantity during April-June 2017 as compared to 2,27, 938 tonnes in the same period last year. Demand for processed and value-added spices resulted in an increase in the spices export basket.