Having registered a tremendous growth in nutmeg exports since 2007 thanks to natural calamities in Grenada, India continues to strengthen its sway in the international market.
Currently ranked number three, India is set to overtake Indonesia and Grenada in the nutmeg export stakes within the next three years, provided quality can be ensured, revealed an estimate by the Spices Board.
“If we continue to rely on our quality standards, we can overcome Indonesia which is a major exporter of nutmeg. Even after Grenada comes back to its full strength, we will be able to maintain top spot. Spices Board is taking measures to help farmers in this regard,” Spices Board Chairman A Jayathilak told Express.
The Caribbean nation of Grenada - often referred to as the Isle of Spice - suffered heavily after a major hurricane wreaked havoc in 2006-07, uprooting almost all the nutmeg plants there. Consequently, Indian farmers got an upper hand and the production skyrocketed. As per estimates, it will take Grenada up to five years before nutmeg plants yield enough produce to help the island nation get back to its previous export levels. It means that until 2014-15, Indian farmers can enjoy the feast, said the Spices Board official.
Annually, India produces a total of 14,000 tonnes of nutmeg with shell.
The total export of nutmeg/mace from India in the last financial year (2011-12) was 3620 tonnes worth Rs 240.98 crore.
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