Medilytix Bureau:
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal today called upon the Spices Industry to double the sector exports to USD 10 Billion in the next five years. He also launched the innovative Weather-based crop insurance scheme for Cardamom farmers on the occasion of 35th anniversary function of the Spices Board. Shri Goyal joined the programme through video conference.
Shri Goyal expressed satisfaction over the Spices exports having increased by 115% in volume and 84% in value (USD) between 2014-21, reaching a historic high of USD 4.2 bn in 2020-21. “Now, Indian spices & spices products are reaching over 180 destinations all over the world,” he said.
Quoting the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Goyal said, “During Covid, along with India’s medicines & vaccines, the world experienced the importance of our spices & Kadha.”
“Our grandmother’s home remedies like Haldi Doodh/Turmeric Latte & spices like Cinnamon, Tulsi (Basil leaves), etc. became a household staple in the world. In fact, India recorded a growth of 42% in turmeric exports last year,” Shri Goyal said.
“In these challenging pandemic times, the world took note of the age old and time-tested practices of Ayurveda that involves the use of spices in medicinal products, – Ayush Kwath, that combines the therapeutic powers of Cinnamon, Tulsi, Dry Ginger and Black Pepper and the Golden Milk which is made using turmeric and pepper etc, have become some of the most searched recipes for immunity boosting during the Covid pandemic,” he added.
Shri Goyal said though India is a leader in Global Spice, the sector is facing challenges too.
“When it comes to export of spices in whole raw form, we do not currently enjoy cost advantage against many countries in Asia and Africa regions, which means we should focus on increasing the export of value added spices products. Also, we face challenges in preparing our production system and manufacturing systems to meet the stringent quality and food safety standards,” said Shri Goyal.
“The aim is to sustain the competitive edge of the Indian spice industry with added thrust on high-end value addition and new product development so as to cater to the specific requirements of varied consumers around the globe, while committed to ensuring food safety, quality and sustainability,” he added.
Shri Goyal said the Government is keen to increase export of spices from the country through resilient and efficient programmes and interventions.
“The Board has initiated collaborative efforts with various national and international agencies on various projects and initiatives— (1) with STDF of WTO and FAO for Strengthening spice value chain in India and improving Market access through capacity building and innovative interventions (2) with the Quality Council of India for INDGAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Certification; (3) with the spice industry and International agencies like IDH and GIZ, Germany on National Sustainable Spice Programme, & (4) The UNDP’s Accelerator Lab, India on “Development of Blockchain enabled traceability platform for Spices” etc.”
During the function Shri Goyal launched the innovative Weather-based crop insurance scheme, a joint initiative of the Spices Board and Agricultural Insurance Company of India for the benefit of Cardamom farmers. He also released the postal stamp to mark the Coral Jubilee of Spices Board. Shri Goyal said the Government has paved the way for the Spices sector to grow and expand India’s footprint as a Global Leader in Spices.
“Export Development & Promotion of Spices scheme supports exporters to adopt high-tech processing. The Board has enabled access to primary processing and value addition in spices, through the eight spices parks set up in the major production centres across India (Puttady in Kerala, Sivaganga in TN, Guntur in AP, Chindhwara and Guna in MP, Kota and Jodhpur in Rajasthan) for the benefit of growers and entrepreneurs, thereby aiding in better price realization,” he said.