Sep 3, 2020
In a recent announcement by Agriculture & Horticulture Minister Tage Taki said that the states of Arunachal Pradesh has fully geared up to double the production of large cardamom in coming 5-6 years.
Taki said this while addressing a global webinar on “Local to Global – Spices of India” organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
“Arunachal has been taking several steps to streamline the production of spices such as large cardamom, turmeric, ginger and chillies. As last year, we managed to export 5,020 metric tons of spices valued at Rs. 24.89 crore, in coming 5-6 years, we aim to double the production of large cardamom,” Taki said.
Taki further informed that this doubling of production is not without challenges. The government is trying to study the feasibility of pricing and likewise address it further.
“There are severe price fluctuations. The price of a spice that was trading at almost Rs. 1,200-1,300 per kg has now come down to Rs. 400-450 per kg. This is not due to demand-supply mismatch but due to the manipulation of middlemen. This will be addressed,” he said.
Taki stressed Arunachal Pradesh is also considering taking steps to promote the cultivation of organically-grown spices.
“While it is not possible to cultivate everything organically at the same time, we are doing it in a phased manner. Almost 5,000 hectares of land consciously have been brought under organic farming and another 5,000 hectares have already been identified for a similar process,” he said.
He also added that the new farmers have already opted for organic farming.
“Demand for Indian spices is due to their aroma, taste and medicinal value. Spices are one of the natural contributors to India’s export kitty and a major source of income for the country. Today, spice contributes around 4% to the country’s GDP. Its prominence in recent times has gone up due to technological advancements,” he said.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Kailash Choudhary, said that since ancient times, India has been an important global player in spices.
“Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the demand for Indian spices has gone up exponentially due to its medicinal value and to boost one’s immunity. The Government of India too has been taking active steps to promote the same,” he said.
“The government is also giving out loans worth Rs. 3 crore without any collateral to smaller businesses in this space. The rate of interest is almost 3% lower and the borrower has to repay the money over a period of seven years. The money is again given to other businesses on rotation thus creating additional job opportunities,” he cited.
According to the Union minister, the central government’s initiative of One Nation, One Market will go a long way in helping the farmers.
“Earlier, farmers were forced to sell their produce at the market in the same vicinity. After the new scheme, they are free to sell it off anywhere in the country. This would ensure that they would get a proper price for their produce and at the same time would also attract investments in the agriculture sector from the private players,” he said.
Spices Board of India secretary, D. Sathiyan, in his keynote address said several initiatives are being taken to support farmers and exporters.
He stated partnership engagements with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of AYUSH shall help with the sustainable development of the spice sector of the country and further enhance India’s position in the world market.
The other speakers included M. T. Sherpa, Secretary, Department of Horticulture Government of Sikkim, Sanjeev Bisht, Business Head (Spices) at ITC Ltd, Nitin Puri, Senior President Food & Agri Strategic Advisory & Research, Yes Bank and Gulshan John, MD, Nedspice.