Kochi, Jan. 18:There has been increasing global demand for spices and an emerging need for India to consolidate and maintain its position as the world leader in this sector, the Spices Board said. However, the export of spices in quantity terms has seen a decline.
Spices account for a a major share in the total agricultural exports of the country, and a substantial jump in exports was observed in the past five years. But there has been a shortage in supplies, especially the quantities available for exports.
The industry is faced with the challenge of declining quantity for exports, mainly due to supply shortfalls and quality concerns.
Export figures for April-August 2011 indicate that there has been a hike in export value of spices by 26 per cent, while quantity-wise there was a decline of 23 per cent. While 32 per cent of the quantum and 40 per cent of the value targeted for export has been achieved, the question as to why there is a fall in quantity remains.
One-day workshop
It is in this context that the Kerala Department of Agriculture is organising a one-day workshop in association with Spices Board and World Spice Organisation on January 20.
Spice farmers from various parts of Kerala, spices exporters, traders, scientists from Kerala Agriculture University, the Indian Institute of Spices Research, the Spices Board and the Directorate of Coco Arecanut and Spices are expected to participate.
The workshop is expected to provide a platform to discuss and chalk out action plans for improvement and enhancement of better quality spices, especially black pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric and nutmeg. Problem of pesticide residues, presence of aflatoxin and illegal dyes continue to be issues that require immediate attention. There is also the need to make this promising sector competent in the global environment, a press release issued here said.
Joint initiative
To ensure that quality assurance becomes mandatory, production processes that result in hygienic products, satisfying international standards, should be made available.
As a measure to ensure this, Spices Board has already made plans for the Twelfth Plan, including promotion of organic cultivation.
The joint initiative will focus on promotion of cultivation and quality assurance to increase exports, major challenges in spices trade, developmental programmes, field problems, research interventions and practical knowledge of farmers.
Source : thehindubusinessline.com