Calls for innovation, stronger quality standards, and expansion into nutraceuticals to unlock untapped potential
Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan has called on industry stakeholders to unlock the untapped potential of India’s spices sector by shifting towards a value-driven growth model anchored in innovation and global market integration.
Addressing a conclave organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Paswan emphasised that India must move beyond a volume-led approach and focus on building a high-value ecosystem powered by food processing and technology.
“India must transition from a volume-driven approach to a value-driven ecosystem, leveraging food processing, innovation, and global market integration,” he said, highlighting the sector’s importance in achieving the government’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The minister also underscored the need to strengthen quality standards, noting that consistency is critical to building global trust and reducing export rejections—a persistent challenge for the sector.
India currently produces over 60 of the 109 globally recognized spices and exports to more than 200 countries, positioning it as a key player in the global spice trade. However, Paswan stressed that significant headroom remains in value-added segments.
He pointed to emerging opportunities in nutraceuticals, wellness products, and functional foods, urging increased investment in research, innovation, and advanced processing technologies.
Echoing similar sentiments, Anil Rajput, Chair of the PHDCCI Food Processing Committee, said rising global demand for natural and health-focused products presents a strong growth avenue for Indian spices, particularly in high-value applications.
Rajput outlined key priorities for the sector, including deeper farmer integration into value chains, promotion of residue-free and organic production, enhanced R&D capabilities, and stronger public-private collaboration.
Paswan reiterated the government’s commitment to enabling ease of doing business through policy support and reforms, while inviting industry players to actively contribute recommendations to accelerate sectoral growth.