Domestic production of black pepper estimated to be around 75 thousand tonnes

07-May-2025 05:08 PM

Wayanad. The President of the Indian Pepper and Spices Trade Association has estimated the total domestic production of black pepper to be around 75,000 tonnes during the current marketing season of 2024-25 and stated that about 50 percent of the crop harvesting has already been completed in the major producing regions.

This includes both tender and matured pepper. Harvesting in Kerala began in December and has now reached its final stage. In Tamil Nadu, the harvesting process has almost ended, while it is still ongoing in Karnataka, the leading producer.

Karnataka contributes approximately 55 percent of India's black pepper production, Kerala accounts for around 40 percent, and the remaining 5 percent comes from states like Tamil Nadu.

In Sri Lanka, harvesting of the new black pepper crop is expected to begin in June-July, and a surge in imports to India is anticipated thereafter.

Meanwhile, new black pepper has also started arriving from Vietnam. With Indian domestic prices ranging between Rs 690-715 per kg, and the minimum import price (MIP) set at Rs 500 per kg, importers find it profitable to bring in cheaper pepper from abroad.

Domestic producers are urging the government to increase the MIP to curb rising imports, which are putting pressure on local prices.

Major producing and exporting countries, including Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil, are actively looking to expand their exports to India.

Imports from Sri Lanka rose from 14,000 tonnes in 2023-24 to 24,000 tonnes in 2024-25, but this did not result in a significant rise in domestic pepper prices.

With imports likely to rise further in the coming months, concerns are growing among Indian producers about the potential impact on local market prices.