Vanilla output to rise by 50%

The Spice Board has estimated about 50 per cent increase in total production of vanilla in the current year as new harvesting season is about to commence.

The board also ruled out the possibility of a fall in prices as global demand is on the increase said sources.

Total production in 2004-05 was about 80 tonne of which 41 tonne valued at Rs 4.97 crore was exported while in 2003-04 exports were 27 tonne.

Sources said though the availability of vanilla in the world markets had increased, the demand was also on the increase and an almost steady pricing was expected this year.

The average price for processed beans in the global market is about $30-35 per Kg. Indian produce fetched a higher average price during last season than Madagascar, world's largest producer of Vanilla, at $47.30. The highest price realised was $80 and 7.3 tonne of total exports had fetched value realisation between $60-80 per Kg while the average price of Madagascar grade was $36.

The average global demand of vanilla is about 2500-2600 tonne annually which is also on increase. Total production in Madagascar during the current fiscal is estimated between 1800-2000 tonne and India will be in advantageous position if the global demand rises further.

US is the major export market for Indian vanilla and in 2004-05 the import was 16.30 tonne followed by France with 5.62 tonne. During last season growers had fetched an average price of Rs 250-275 per kg and board expects a similar pricing this season too.