Spices in demand as summer sets in

Traders say demand will remain high for month

Veda Ramaswamy, Vashi

May 10, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

The demand for spices at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Vashi is on a rise. According to traders, the summer season is the peak time for the sale of spices. The rates of most of the spices have increased as compared to last year, but have remained constant.

There is a wide variety of spices available in APMC, most of which are imported from overseas while few come from various places in India. “Spices like cinnamon sticks are imported from China, cloves from Colombo and Madagascar while turmeric are ordered from Sangli and red chillies from Hubli and Hyderabad,” said Hiten Shah, an agent at the spices market.

The prices of most of the spices have mounted this year as compared to the last season. Spices like cloves cost Rs 600 per kg, cinnamon sticks cost Rs 95-Rs 110 per kg, dried coconuts cost Rs 85 per kg while star anise is priced at Rs 250-Rs 300 kg. Turmeric is one of the few spices whose price has reduced as compared to the previous year. “The rate of turmeric has gone down by Rs 20 per kg. Currently, it costs around Rs 110-Rs 125 per kg,” Shah said.

India is the land of spices. Indian families prefer to use ample of spices in their food. The high demand for spices during summer is mainly because of two reasons, as cited by the merchants. “Firstly, the spice crops grow during the months of December to February. Thus, they are available in plenty in the market from the months of March to June. Secondly, families prefer to purchase the entire year’s stock at once to save money,” said Sachin Chawhan another trader. The demand for spices is expected to remain high till the end of this summer.