In the upcoming 2023-24 crop year, India’s pepper aficionados have reason to celebrate as the production outlook promises a boost. The heart of pepper cultivation, Karnataka, stands tall with favorable weather, joined by new producing territories in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The community, a vibrant blend of cultivators and stakeholders, envisions a bountiful harvest.
Pepper Pinnacle: New Planting Zones and Anticipated Yields
The Indian Pepper and Spice Trade Association (IPSTA) shares the community’s optimism, forecasting a robust production of 70,000 tonnes. Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and scenic locales like Namakkal, Gudalur, Yercaud, Kodaikanal, and Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu are emerging as pepper hotspots. These regions display promising signs of flourishing planting.
Past and Present Pepper Productions: A Spicy Contrast
Contrasting with the prior year’s production of 64,000 tonnes, provisional data from the Spices Board paints a picture of optimism for the current season. While 2022-2023 witnessed a slight dip, the current year aims to rebound, hoping to surpass the 70,000-tonne mark.
In the vital pepper-producing districts of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka, whispers from the fields suggest a promising setup. Local growers in Kodagu express confidence, attributing this optimism to improved crop setting. A bold projection of a 25-30 percent increase in yield adds flavor to the anticipation.
Post-Festival Season Blues and Pepper Imports
As the festival season concludes in upcountry markets, a cooling demand emerges, driven by a surge in pepper imports. Analysts highlight a price correction, observing a decrease of $0,27 per kg in the past month. Sri Lanka and Vietnam dominate the import scene, supplying pepper to consuming markets at $6,93 or €6,27 (including GST), slightly below domestic landing prices of approximately $7,53 or €6,81 (including GST and transportation costs). Experts underscore climate change’s impact on domestic output, shaping the market.
Vietnam’s Pepper Presence and Market Adjustments
Reports echo tales of substantial Vietnamese bolder berries making their way to the local market, underscoring Vietnam’s role as a significant player. As Vietnam’s October import figures remain elusive, export data positions India as the third-largest pepper importer globally, trailing behind the USA and China. Sri Lanka’s dwindling imports, driven by end-of-season stock shortages, highlight India’s position in imports.
The blend of favourable climates and new planting frontiers sparks hope. While imports cast a shadow on prices, the field’s optimism and global pepper momentum hint at a flavorful season ahead.