The Spices Board is working with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and other regulatory agencies to bring in more regulations for the industry to usher in sustainable approaches and conservation-driven strategies to develop the industry, its secretary P. Hemalatha said.
In addition the Spices Board has implemented stringent quality control measures, including mandatory ethylene oxide (ETO) testing for EU exports, to enhance food safety and compliance, she said at the the International Spice Conference organised by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF) here on Monday.
Addressing evolving regulatory challenges, Ms. Hemalatha underscored the Board’s commitment to harmonising global spice standards through active participation in the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs, facilitating smoother trade and reducing technical barriers.
She further said, India, historically has been a dominant player in the global spice trade, and maintained a 25% share of the global market currently, . The country currently exports 225 spice products to over 180 countries.
The diverse agro-climatic zones, skilled labor force, and strong infrastructure, including over 8,400 registered exporters and 830 manufacturers, has positioned the country as a leader in spice exports, she noted.
According to her, Spices Board is investing in post-harvest facilities, processing plants, and R&D centers to enhance value-added spice production, including spice oils, oleoresins, and extracts. “With global demand for health-focused spices rising post-pandemic, India is investing in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement research, focusing on the medicinal properties of turmeric, ginger, and garlic,” she added.
The Board’s recent initiatives have directly benefited 1,700 farmers and 200 value chain actors, establishing eight FPOs across four states. Programmes such as buyer-seller meets and buy-back workshops have facilitated formal agreements with exporters, ensuring stable markets and improved farmer incomes by 58%, Ms. Hemalatha pointed out.
Recognising climate change as a significant challenge, she said, the industry was adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and developing resilient crop varieties. “Through initiatives like farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and capacity-building programs, the Board is enhancing farmer resilience and promoting sustainable spice cultivation,” she said.
The Indian spice sector was actively embracing IoT, blockchain, and robotics to enhance transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency. “ These technological advancements ensure faster adaptation to global consumer demands while strengthening trust in Indian spices,” Ms. Hemalatha said.
India’s spices industry was valued at $24 billion last year and growing at a CAGR of 10.56%, it is expected to become $61 billion in 2033. As per Spices Board data, the country currently exports spices worth $4.4 billon, and the export pie is expected to grow to $10 billion by 2030 and $25 billion by 2047.
Dr. Krishna M. Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech International Limited urged researchers, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies to unite in creating a sustainable, high-quality spice industry.
“By embracing innovation and integrity, India can not only dominate global spice markets but also enhance the health and well-being of people worldwide,” he said.
Highlighting the medicinal value of different spices, he further directed the industry to treat them like drugs, with rigorous standards akin to pharmaceuticals.
Mr. Ella also called for more focus on seed development, nanotechnology for pesticide reduction, and bio-stimulants to boost plant resilience.
The four-day conference brings together global industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the spice trade.
Published – February 24, 2025 11:27 pm IST
