Spice exports up 40% in October

The export of spices in 2013 up to October increased sharply by 40.38 percent compared to 2012, with pepper and cloves showing a significant increase of 81.82 percent and 223.35 percent. Cinnamon performed better. Exports of essential oils have also increased by 22.55 percent according to a press release from the Spices and Allied Products Producers' and Traders Association (SAPPTA).

The 'Spice Sector' has preformed extremely well in terms of value and volume. Exporters' have achieved this mainly, due to emerging export markets. Increase in value can be attributed to increases in value-added products and increased unit prices, it stated.

Increased production by smallholders also contributed towards this achievement, as they were encouraged by the government fertiliser subsidy scheme.

The services of the regional officers and extension officers of Export Agriculture Department, Ministries of Minor Export Crops Promotion, Industry and Commerce and Economic Development contributed to this accomplishment, the release said.