Our G.K. Nair

Kochi , Dec. 27

IN a bid to ensure that only standard quality vanilla is exported, the Spices Board plans to evolve a mechanism to check the quality parameters and vanillin content for exportable vanilla. A notification to this effect will be issued soon.

This would be part of its efforts to create a global identity for Indian vanilla for which the growers should give prime importance to quality and not be concerned about short-term gains, said Mr C.J. Jose, Chairman, Spices Board.

Besides, he said, the board would provide assistance to credible farmer organisations with professional management in export of vanilla.

For determining the flavour, which should benchmark with international standards, the board would tie-up with international agencies.

It would collect samples of vanilla and send them to different universities in the UK and the US to analyse different flavours and the dominating flavour character, moisture and vanillin content in Indian vanilla compared to the produce of other origins.

For the comparative analysis, samples from the major producer, Madagascar, have been obtained, Mr S. Kannan, Director (Marketing), told Business Line.

Based on the findings, parameters would be fixed. The board would issue certificates, which would ensure overseas buyers that the certified consignment of Indian vanilla is of standard quality. Each sample test would cost Rs 50,000, he added. "The standard quality product would fetch a premium price in the international market."

Currently, there has not been any buying activity in the international market.

"Purchases will start once Madagascar starts d releasing its produce in January-February 2005; only then will one be able to know the base price," Mr Kannan said.

The price for vanilla is dictated by the island nation, which is the largest grower of this crop in the world.

The imported price in the US in August was $158 a kg and dropped to $129 in September and $56.7 in October.

Papua New Guinea was offering at $28.18 a kg, while Ugandan price was $67.24 because of its quality. India exported in August at $191 a kg.

Export of vanilla from India this fiscal was estimated at 50 tonnes, which could even go up to 100 tonnes, Mr Kannan said.

According to industry sources, though India is currently the sixth largest producer of vanilla, it has the potential of rising to the third position in the days ahead.

The current crisis in the vanilla market due to the sharp dip in the prices is temporary. The rationalisation of demand and supply is expected to happen only by 2008, they said. The three keys that could put India on the global vanilla map are quality, supply and price, they added.