Present Scenario of Spices  

• India currently exports 1.5 million tonnes of spices worth $4.5 billion, accounting for one-fourth of the $20 billion global spice market. However, only 48% of these exports are value-added products, with the rest being whole spices.
• 85% of India’s spices are consumed domestically, leaving limited surplus for exports.
• Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, and China are emerging as strong competitors in the spice trade.

• Production:
  • Major producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
  • During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion, up from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22.
  • India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• Major Produced and Exported Spices by India:
  • Pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils, and oleoresins.
  • Out of these spices, chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander make up about 76% of the total production.
  • Chilli is the leading export earner, generating $1.1 billion annually.
  • Ginger exports have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%.
• Export:
  • In 2023-24, India’s spice exports totalled $4.25 billion, accounting for a 12% share of the global spice exports (till February 2024 data).
  • India exported spices and spice products to 159 destinations worldwide as of 2023-24. The top destinations were China, the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, and Sri Lanka. These countries accounted for more than 70% of total exports.

PYQ:

[2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

(a) Spices

(b) Fresh fruits

(c) Pulses

(d) Vegetable oils