Most Indian spices seen down on low demand, rains

MUMBAI, Aug 5 (Reuters) - India's pepper futures are likely to open lower on Tuesday on sluggish export demand due to arrivals in Indonesia and Brazil and rains in major growing regions, analysts said.

Exports in the first three months of 2008/09 fell 12.2 percent to 7,550 tonnes, according to the Spices Board.

The pepper plant needs rain at regular intervals for better flowering, which normally happens during July and August.

The benchmark September pepper NPEU8 ended at 14,354 rupees per 100 kg on Monday, down 0.9 percent.

TURMERIC:

Turmeric futures that fell in last four sessions may open a bit lower on subdued demand in the physical market, and good rainfall in growing regions, which accelerated delayed cultivation, analysts said.

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the major producing states, have been receiving rains.

The October contract NTMV8 ended down 3.95 percent at 4,472 rupees per 100 kg on Monday.

However, losses will be capped by steady acreage under the spice in the current year and buying at lower levels.