Srinagar, June 10: The aroma of Kashmiri spices seems to have stopped alluring many of its consumers abroad with exporters blaming the economic slowdown and power tariff hike for the dip in exports.
 Spices like turmeric, chilli and fennel powder are most sought after by Kashmiri customers while consumers in the rest of India or abroad prefer mixtures like Kashmiri Rajma masala, Kashmiri chat masala and traditional Kashmiri mix or Ver, besides saffron.
 President of Traders and Manufacturers Federation Mohammad Sadiq Bakal said, "Export of spices has seen a fall in the last couple of years. The power hike in industries announced by the government would further affect their trade".
 Spice manufacturer Kanwal Foods and Spices claims a 40 per cent dip in exports due to global recession.
 "There has been a dip of almost 40 per cent  since recession. We have not been able to match our previous figures. We are building up though," said Kanwal Spices General Manager (PR) Arshid Malik.
 "South Africa and Middle East are the largest consumers of Kashmiri spices. The demand for ground spices has decreased where as raw spices are still comparatively popular," Malik said.
 Joint Director, Jammu and Kashmir Industries, M Muzaffar said, "Recession may be one of the reasons or may be the biggest reason for the fall in exports. However, in the case of power tariff hike, relief has already been provided and there is no reason to complain now."
 Saffron traders in Kashmir have also complained about a fall in business partly due to increase in saffron import from Iran.
 Kashmir Kessar Mart, a local manufacturer and exporter of saffron said it imports more saffron than it exports.
 Sameer Ahmad, partner Kashmir Kessar Mart said, "We export bio-saffron while we import most of the saffron from other countries like Iran."

Lastupdate on : Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST