India's average production of pepper is 65,000 tons in the last three years and the country exports 20,000-22,000 tons a year. Unfavourable weather in Kerala and Karnataka may cause production to decline to 53,000 tons in 2015-16. Some parts of Karnataka, too, have faced a pest attack.
The Spices Board has estimated 53,000 tons of pepper production in 2015-16 against 65,000 tons a year ago and exports are likely to be 20,000 tons.
India consumes 80-85 per cent of its production but this year pepper prices have climbed, making exports unviable. The price of pepper has risen from Rs 630 per kg in December to Rs 700 now.