Global certification to boost export of spices from Northeast

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Kochi, Aug 3 : Organic spice exports from India are likely to get a big boost with 300 hectare of land in the North East receiving organic certification from global certifying agency Indocert.

Indocert, accepted both in the US and Europe, has certified lands in Meghalaya for turmeric and ginger cultivation, Manipur for ginger and turmeric cultivation, and Arunachal Pradesh for black pepper.

According to the Spices Board, currently the total area under conversion or certification process is 2220.58 hectare (ha), while around 1483.55 hectare of new area will be brought under certification in the current financial year.

The north-eastern states managed to achieve this distinction of emerging as hub of organic spices in India because of concerted efforts by the Spices Board in promoting the north east states as a hub for production and export of organic spices.

Organic spices are grown without using chemicals and fertilisers. Demand for organically produced foods is growing rapidly in developed countries and the products command a premium.

The board estimates that the region can create exportable surpluses at competitive prices so that the top slot occupied by the country in the international spice market would be maintained.

By default, the land and agriculture practice is organic and with some efforts from the state, the region could export organic spices, board source said.

The Spices Board expects to export organic spices worth Rs 240-260 crore by 2012. The board will select one district in each of the states and the programmes will be implemented through non-governmental organisations that will mobilise self-help groups to collect the produce from growers and undertake the grading and primary processing.

The collectives would be provided with adequate planting material and training in good agricultural practices (GAP) and post-harvest management. Efforts would also focus on creating awareness on productivity, food safety, quality and marketability of the spices, board sources said.