SPICE SECTOR IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Hong Kong and Singapore have recalled spice mix products from the MDH and Everest Group due to elevated levels of Ethylene Oxide (ETO). Indian authorities are taking steps to align Indian spice exports with international food safety regulations.

Spice Sector in India

• Global Spice Market: India's spice exports in 2023-2024 amounted to $4.4 billion, representing nearly 14 lakh tonnes, a 12.3% increase from the previous financial year.
• Leading Exported Spices: Chilli, spice oils and oleoresins, curry powder and paste, cumin, mint products, cardamom, and pepper were among the top exported spices and spice products in 2022-2023.
• Top Spice Producers: Garlic, ginger, and chilli were the top three spices produced in India in the financial year 2022-2023.

o India holds the title of the world's largest spice producer, consumer, and exporter.

• Spice-Producing States: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are among the largest spice-producing states in India.
• Important Export Markets: China, Bangladesh, West Asian countries, and the United States serve as significant markets for Indian spices.

Government Initiatives to Promote Spices

• Export Development and Promotion of Spices: The initiative aims to assist exporters in adopting advanced processing technologies to meet evolving food safety standards of importing countries.
• Spices Board of India: It is dedicated to the global promotion and development of Indian spices, serving as a vital link between exporters and importers.
• Spices Parks: Eight crop-specific Spices Parks have been launched to aid farmers in achieving better price realizations and broader market access.
• Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH): It operates as a subsidiary body of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, ensuring international food standards under the joint initiative of FAO and WHO.