Economic Times

India: Processing hub for spices

14 August 2007

MUMBAI: Spices export is likely to touch $1 billion by 2008-09 on higher demand for chilli, cumin and mint products, said Spices Board chief VJ Kurian here on Monday.

The country is likely to export spices worth $875 million in 2007-08, up 10% from a year ago, according to the data from the board. “By 2017 we would like India to be the only processing hub for spice in the world,” Mr Kurian said.

The country is aiming to become a global processing hub and plans to set up 6-7 spice parks in major growing centres and regional quality control laboratories at Guntur, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi.

India is the world’s largest spice producer accounts for 44% of global output and 36% of global trade. India’s production in 2007-08 is expected jump 10% from this year’s 4 million tonnes, Mr Kurian said.

The Spices Board is planning to apply for the Geographic Indication (GI) status for Sannam chillies and Tellicherry pepper, he added.

It has already filed for GI registration of Malabar pepper, Alleppey green cardamom and Coorg green cardamom.

GI status protects certain distinct or generic products associated with a region, especially in the absence of international agreements. It usually prohibits registration of a trademark under the name. Tellicherry pepper is grown mainly in northern part of Kerala. Sannam is the major chilli crop in the country and grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.