Chilli exports surge 86% in April-August

Chilli exports in the first five months (April-August) of 2007-08 grew at a staggering 86 per cent (in quantity) to 88,000 tonnes against 47,294 tonnes in the same period last year. In value term, the exports rose by a whopping 116 per cent to Rs 487 crore against Rs 225.81 crore last year, despite sharp appreciation of the rupee.

According to a recent estimate of the Spices Board, the country targets135,000 tonnes of chilli exports valued at Rs 675 crore for 2007-08. With 66 per cent of the target already achieved, the country is expecting the real exports figures to exceed the targeted figure by a huge margin.

According to experts, the tremendous growth in exports was due to lower supply from China, the biggest exporter of chilli, during the period.

Chilli from China is expected to hit the market by next month. According to a latest estimate, the output in China is expected to rise by 30 per cent.

The sharp increase in shipment in April and May against the pending orders during January-March also contributed to the exports growth during the period. In April alone, chilli exports rose by 231 per cent to 22,000 tonnes against 6,644 tonnes in April last year. In April-May, the exports rose to 40,000 tonnes against 15,234 tonnes last year.

The country's supply in the global market in the remaining months depends on the outcome in and pricing by China. But experts feel a good performance in the coming months too.