During the period from April to June 1998, an estimated quantity of 50,635 tonnes were exported earning a value of Rs 392.35 crore, whereas in the corresponding period of last year a quantity of 75,830 tonnes were exported at Rs 399.57 crore.

In dollar terms the earnings were $96.83 million in April-June 1998 against $111.53 million in the corresponding period of last year registering a fall in 13 per cent.

Against an ambitious target of exporting 248,050 tonnes of spices valued at Rs 1,718, the first quarter achievement is only 20 per cent in quantity and 23 per cent in value.

Export of pepper has decreased in quantity from 14,382 tonnes in April-June '97 to 10,000 tonnes inApril-June '98 while the value has increased from Rs 151.67 crore to Rs 192.70 crore. According to the Spices Board, though pepper continues to lead the spices in exports earning 50 per cent of the exports, the quantity has come down mainly because of high price of the spice. The average fob unit price realised during April-June '98 was Rs 192.70 a kg against Rs 105.46 a kg in April-June '97. Planters and traders were holding stock in anticipation of still higher prices, feels the Board.Spice oils & oleoresins, a high value item, which has a share of 15 per cent in earnings, continue to maintain a steady increase.

Chilli, which has an 8 per cent share in exports, have shown a massive decrease in exports both in quantity and value. Against 16,172 tonnes exported at Rs 51.74 crore in April-June '97, this year the exports in the same period total only 9000 tonnes at Rs 31.35 crore. This is also one spice for which Board had planned to increase the exports. According to the Board, low quantity of chilli exportwas because of availability of China and Pakistan supplies of chilli at lower rates. A decrease in production flared up the prices, along with farmers holding stock for further increase in price.

Exports of ginger, cumin, fennel and garlic have fallen during April-June '98 because of competing countries selling at lower prices, says the Spices Board. Turmeric was reported to have a poor demand while in case of celery the buyers are reported to have sufficient stocks available.