The Hindu Business Line : Ginger prices fall on higher supply

Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Friday, Mar 31, 2006

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Agri-Biz & Commodities - Spices & Condiments

Ginger prices fall on higher supply

Our Bureau

Higher output in China, other origins

Kochi , March 30

Increased availability of ginger in the domestic and international markets has pushed down its prices sharply.

A steep rise in prices in 2004 has motivated the farmers to grow ginger last year resulting in over production outweighing the demand.

In the domestic market, the arrivals stood at 200-500 bags of 55 kg every week but there are no buyers, traders here told Business Line.

Demand normally generates during the winter months and now the season is over, they said.

High quality dried ginger is fetching only Rs 55 a kg as against Rs 130 a kg last year. While the farm grade quality is sold at Rs 35-45 a kg.

Over production in China and all other origins has not only pushed the prices down but also hit the country's exports, they said.

Exports

As against 12,153 tonnes exported in April 2004 to February 2005, the shipments during the same period this fiscal stood at at 6,200 tonnes. At present, Nigeria is offering at $650-$750 a tonne while China is quoting $1,100 a tonne. Indian price is at $1,400 a tonne.

The production of dry ginger in the country is estimated at between 20,000-22,000 tonnes a year. India's major markets are the West Asia and the Gulf countries. Exports to Japan and European countries have dropped following the ban on import of ginger produced using sulphur dioxide.