Kochi, Jun 29 (IANS): Spice exports from India during 2017-18 went up by eight per cent in volume to touch 10,28,060 tonnes worth Rs 17,929.55 crore as against 9,47,790 tonnes at Rs 17,664.61 crore in 2016-17.

Releasing the figures here on Friday, Spices Board Secretary A. Jayathilak said the increase in exports in 2017-18 was the consequence of innovative market interventions and the emphasis on value added products by the Board to promote Indian Spices globally.

During FY 2017-18, small cardamom, cumin, garlic, asafoetida and tamarind and seeds like ajwain (carom), mustard, dill and poppy showed an increase both in volume and value, contributing substantially to the spice export basket.

The export of value added products like curry powder/paste, spice oils and oleoresins also increased in volume and value during the period.

The export of chilli, coriander, celery, nutmeg and mace registered an increase in terms of volume while the exports of mint products showed an increase in terms of value.

Export of small cardamom created an all-time record with shipments of a total volume of 5,680 tonnes valued at Rs 609.08 crore as against 3,850 tonnes worth Rs 421.50 crore a year earlier, registering an increase of 48 per cent in volume and 45 per cent in value.

Chilli continued to lead Indian spice shipments with exports of 4,43,900 tonne fetching an amount of Rs 4,256.33 crore, as compared to 4,00,250 tonne worth Rs 5,070.75 crore in 2016-17.

The decline in value terms was due to volatility in prices of chilli in international markets.