SAPPTA, or Spices & Allied Products Producers & Traders Association, in their latest news publication said substantial forex earnings from spices have moved forward indicating large contributions to the exchequer from those sources.

Sri Lanka is the world’s largest exporter of cinnamon. Production has now exceeded 12,000 tons. World production was at 13,950 tons confirming cinnamon production contributing substantially to export earnings. That too that world locations including Mexico, Madagascar, Seychelles, and India, were confirmed markets attracting cinnamon to those countries.

Apart from Cocoa, and cinnamon, pepper exports too have grown. Production last year was at 5463 tons earning 2.4 billion Rupees in foreign exchange.

Cloves turmeric and ginger have been included in the export compendium for spices and have staked their claim for world recognitioin.

Pepper production has been programmed to exceed 18, 250 tons in 2009, according to Past Chairman SAPPTA Gulam Chatoor writing in the SAPPTA news letter.

Sri Lankan pepper has high intrinsic quality compared to other origins. Cinnamon Cinnamomum ceylanicum, has excellent icon value grown and produced in Sri Lanka.

Ceylon cinnamon continues to dominate world trade, said Nalika Kodikara Assistant Director, Export development Board.

Spices and spice ingredients sector plays a significant role in the countries export economy. The sector has earned about $135 million in 2007. last years figures are not at hand as this report goes to press, but SAPPTA confirms income would not be inconsiderable.

Cloves and cardamom are mainly plantation crops grown in upper reaches of Kandy, Matale, Medamahanuwara, and also certain parts of Rakwana.

Cardamom crops have come down because thrips have attacked forming pods and subject to most recent research, the industry could handle this pest. Cardamom thrips found in Hawaii and India have now found their way to Sri Lankan spice plantations. Planters however said they could control the influx of this pest through researched methods and they were confident harmful repercussions could be avoided.

Commenting further Gulam Chatoor said comparatively Cloves too did well exporting 6000 tons end 2008. earnings from cloves was Rs. 3.3 billion.

SAPPTA established in 1984 is affiliated to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has been the main publicity wing for the spice trade.

Recommendations of this organization are given serious credence by government organizations.