High moisture may dent isabgol exports

Isabgol (psyllium) manufacturers and traders are worried over the increasing moisture content in north Gujarat following the recent rains. They fear that high moisture may damage the existing stocks and hit exports.

The region has received good rainfall during the last week and weather still remains cloudy.

"The rising moisture content has caused dullness in isabgol's colour. Importers especially stress on the colour and we fear that our stocks may be rejected if the moisture content rises," said Bharat K Patel of Sidhpur-based Atlas Industries, a manufacturer and exporter of isabgol. He added that the stocks stored in warehouses had more chances to absorb moisture.

In normal conditions, prices range between Rs 700 and Rs 750 per 20 kg, while they around Rs 900-1,000 per 20 kg for export-quality seeds. The prices might dip to Rs 600 per 20 kg for the ordinary quality and Rs 800-900 for the export quality, added Patel.

"The importing countries, especially the US, the largest importer of isabgol, allow 12 per cent of moisture content in isabgol. Normally, the moisture content remains between 6 and 7 per cent and attracts the highest orders, with the commodity retaining its natural colour. However, if the moisture content goes beyond 12 per cent, our stocks may be rejected," said Bharat A Patel, general secretary of Psyllium Processors' Association and MD of Sidhpur-based Shiv Psyllium Industries. The damage was minimal in case of packaged isabgol, but the raw material stocks could suffer, he added.

Last year, the total output of Gujarat and Rajasthan was around 10 lakh bags. Along with the carry-over stock of 1.5 lakh bags, the stock in warehouses is about 11.5 lakh bags. On the other hand, the requirement of the industry is around 14 lakh bags following an increased global demand, especially from South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.