TO ACHIEVE $10-BN EXPORT TARGET BY 2030: WSO

• GS-3: Economy (Agricultural Exports, Value Addition in Agriculture)
• GS-3: Science & Tech (Agri-based Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing)

Key Highlights

India’s Position in the Global Spice Market:

• India is the largest producer and exporter of spices, yet its share in the $4 billion global seasoning market is only 0.7%.
• Current spice exports: 1.5 million tonnes worth $4.5 billion, while the global spice industry is valued at $20 billion.
• China (12%) and the U.S. (11%) hold a larger share in value-added spice exports.

Need for Value Addition & Export Growth:

• Only 48% of India’s spice exports are value-added, while the rest are raw whole spices.
• To reach the $10 billion export target by 2030, value-added spice exports must rise to 70%.
• India has 15 agro-climatic zones, offering potential for regional spice diversification.

Emerging Markets & New Opportunities:

• North Eastern States, Odisha, and Jharkhand are emerging spice producers.
• Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries offer high-value applications for spices.

Sustainability & Pest Management:

• Focus on integrated pest management, sustainable cultivation, and quality certification.
• FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) are being trained in spice processing, reducing pesticide use, and improving exports.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Scaling up value-added spice exports will improve India’s global competitiveness.
• Encouraging spice-based pharmaceuticals can increase revenue streams.
• Strengthening FPO networks & certification standards will ensure quality & sustainability in exports.

Mains Mock Question:

“Discuss the potential of India’s spice industry in achieving higher global market share through value addition. Suggest policy measures to enhance exports.”