Context:
India has become the largest exporter of spices and spice products with $4.45 billion USD export value (FY 2024-25).
More on News:
- Between 2013–14 and 2024–25, spice exports increased by 88% in volume, and 97% in value (USD)—reflecting India’s expanding presence in the global spice market.
- India has been known as the ‘Land of Spices’ since ancient times. Its climatic diversity and traditional agricultural practices have made it the world’s largest spice producer, consumer and exporter.
- The multifaceted medicinal, nutritional and cultural importance of spices has made it a strategic product in the global market.
- Out of the 109 spices recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), India produces more than 60 varieties.
- Top 10 export destinations by 2025 include China, US, UAE, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Germany, which shared more than 60% of total export earnings.
- Leading states in spice exports from India:Gujarat (23.53% of total exports)KeralaAndhra Pradesh
- Major exported spices:
- Chilli (1508.94 million USD)
- Cumin (700.23 million USD)
- Spice oil/oleoresin (498.01 million USD)
- Madhya Pradesh led with 3.63 million tonnes production in 2023-24, followed by Gujarat (1.29 million tonnes) and Andhra Pradesh (1.28 million tonnes). Rajasthan and Telangana also contributed significantly.
Government Initiatives
- Spices Board of India (1987)
- Objective: To develop, promote and regulate the export of 52 spices and spice products falling under its purview.
- Mission: To become an international processing hub and leading supplier of hygienic, safe and value-added spices and spice products to the industrial and retail segments of the global spice market.
- SPICED (Sustainability in Spices Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) Scheme.
- The SPICED Scheme launched by the Spices Board of India aims to increase the export of spices, improve productivity of cardamom and enhance post-harvest quality of spices.
- Spice Parks
- Set up by the Spices Board.
- Objective: To enhance spice processing, value addition, export and employment opportunities.
- These parks provide common facilities for cleaning, sorting, grading, grinding, oil extraction and packaging of spices.
