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India, world’s largest producer & consumer of spices
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Saturday, 01 February, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Anjali Lokare
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India has long been recognised as the global leader in spice production, consumption, and export. With its rich agricultural heritage and favourable climatic conditions, the country has cemented its position as the world’s largest producer of spices. Beyond production, India is also the largest consumer and exporter, contributing significantly to the global spice trade.
Rapid Growth in Spice Production
The production of spices in India has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years. For instance, in 2022-23, the total production of spices stood at an impressive 11.14 million tonnes, slightly up from 11.12 million tonnes in the preceding year. This steady rise underscores India’s pivotal role in meeting the growing global demand for spices.
A Thriving Export Market
India’s spice export market has been thriving, with export values consistently increasing year after year. In 2022-23, India exported spices worth US$ 3.73 billion, up from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22. By 2023-24, exports further escalated to US$ 4.46 billion, demonstrating the industry’s resilience and adaptability.
The country’s spice exports have shown consistent growth over the years. From 2016-17 to 2022-23, the export volume grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.85%. Notably, the export volumes of key spices such as chilli, cumin, turmeric, and ginger for FY23 were 0.51 million tonnes, 0.18 million tonnes, 0.17 million tonnes, and 0.05 million tonnes, respectively.
Key Spices and Their Contributions
India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties of spices recognised by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Among these, the most produced and exported spices include:
Chilli: The single largest spice exported from India, contributing significantly to the total export revenue.
Cumin: A staple in Indian cuisine, with growing demand globally.
Turmeric: Renowned for its medicinal and culinary uses.
Ginger: A versatile spice with multiple health benefits.
Coriander: Widely used in Indian and international dishes.
Together, these five spices account for approximately 76% of India’s total spice production.
Regional Contributions
India’s spice production is geographically diverse, with major contributions from states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Each state specialises in cultivating certain spices, adding to the variety and volume of the nation’s spice basket.
Export Destinations
India exports spices to over 200 destinations worldwide. As of June 2024, the top importers included China, the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Malaysia, the UK, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. These nine countries accounted for over 60% of India’s total spice export earnings in 2024-25 (up to June 2024).
China: Imported spices worth US$192.40 million.
USA: Imported spices worth US$156.32 million.
Bangladesh: Imported spices worth US$90.75 million.
UAE: Imported spices worth US$84.50 million.
Among the various spices, chilli remained the most exported. In 2022-23, China alone imported chilli worth US$409.44 million, followed by the USA with chilli imports valued at US$96.38 million.
Government Initiatives Boosting the Spice Industry
Recognising the significance of the spice industry, the Indian government, through the Spices Board of India, has launched several initiatives to enhance production, quality, and export competitiveness.
Export Development and Promotion of Spices:
This initiative supports exporters in adopting high-tech processing technologies and meeting international food safety standards.
Focus areas include infrastructure development, promotion of Indian spice brands abroad, and fostering organic spice cultivation.
Spice Parks:
The Spices Board has established eight crop-specific spice parks in key production and market centres.
These parks provide integrated facilities for cultivation, post-harvest processing, value addition, packaging, and storage.
Farmers benefit from improved price realisation and access to wider markets.
Spice Complex in Sikkim:
A proposed project aimed at facilitating common processing and value addition in spices, benefiting farmers and stakeholders in Sikkim.
Role of the Spices Board of India
The Spices Board of India plays a crucial role in the development and global promotion of Indian spices. Its key activities include:
Promoting Indian spices in international markets.
Maintaining and monitoring quality standards.
Guiding growers with better production methods and providing financial and material support.
Facilitating infrastructure development and conducting research.
With these efforts, the board has been instrumental in positioning India as the global hub for spices, ensuring excellence across the industry.
Future Prospects
The future of India’s spice industry looks promising, driven by growing global demand for authentic flavours and natural products. Continued government support, coupled with the industry’s focus on innovation and quality, is expected to propel India’s spice exports to even greater heights.
In conclusion, India’s dominance in the global spice market is a testament to its rich heritage, robust agricultural practices, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, India’s contribution to the global spice industry remains unparalleled.
(The author is food consultant, Farm to Fork Solutions, BKC Mumbai. She can be contacted at packaging@farmtoforkindia.com)
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