N Sulawesi Exports Nutmeg To Four Continents

Manado, N Sulawesi, Sept 17 (Antara) - North Sulawesi exported nutmeg to four continents - America, Europe, Africa, and Asia in August 2014. The province exported a total of 162.5 tons of nutmeg worth US$1.97 million to countries in the four continents, head of the foreign trade division of the regional industry and trade office office T Hasudungan Siregar, said here on Wednesday. Exports to the United States totaled 25 tons valued at US$260,625 , to Italy in Europe 61.5 tons valued at US$775,500, to Singapore 17 tons valued at US$195,500 to Vietnam 44 tons valued at US$562,350, to South Africa 15 tons valued at US$180,000. The exports have made nutmeg a more potential export commodity and export earner for the province. "Nutmeg and nutmeg flower from North Sulawesi are growing in demand in Europe . It has long been an export commodity especially to the Netherlands," Siregar said. The local farmers, therefore, would be encouraged to grow the crop to increase production to meet growing demand in international markets, he said. Nutmeg from North Sulawesi is growing in demand not only in Asia and Europe but it already has market foothold in countries as far as South Africa, he said. "The growing interest in North Sulawesi nutmeg is indicated by the growing exports to various countries in the world," he said. Nutmeg from North Sulawesi is good in quality that attracted more buyers, he said. The main nutmeg producing areas in North Sulawesi are the regencies of Sitaro, Sangihe and Talaud.