Introduction
India is the world’s largest spice producer. It is also the largest consumer and exporter of spices. The production of different spices has been growing rapidly over the last few years. The production of spices in FY24 was estimated at 12 million metric tonnes. Whereas production in FY23 stood at 11.14 million tonnes compared to 11.12 million tonnes in FY22. During FY23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion from US$ 3.46 billion in FY22.
During FY22, the single largest spice exported from India was chilli followed by spice oils and oleoresins, mint products, cumin, and turmeric.
India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties which are listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The most produced and exported spices are pepper, cardamom, chilli, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils and oleoresins. Out of these spices, chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger and coriander makeup about 76% of the total production.
The largest spices-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Exports Trend
India is the largest exporter of spice and spice items. During FY24 the country exported spices worth US$ 4.46 billion. In FY25 (until December 2024) India exported spices worth Rs. 29,016 crore (US$ 3.36 billion).
For FY23, the country exported spices worth US$ 3.73 billion. In July 2023, the exports of spices from India increased to US$ 298.77 million from US$ 293.84 million in June 2023. From FY17 to FY23, the total exported quantity from India grew at a CAGR of 5.85%.
For FY23, total volumes of chilli, cumin, turmeric, and ginger exports were 0.51, 0.18, 0.17 and 0.05 million tonnes.
During FY23, the export of turmeric, coriander, garlic, curry powder, other spices such as asafoetida, tamarind, etc., expanded both in value and volume as compared to FY22.
Major Export Destinations
India exported spices and spice products to 200 destinations worldwide as of FY25 (until December 2024). The top destinations among them were China, the USA, the UAE, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Germany. These 10 destinations comprised more than 60% of the total export earnings in FY25 (until February 2025).
China imported spices valued at Rs. 5,268 crore (US$ 610.05 million) from India, while the USA imported spices worth Rs. 5,136 crore (US$ 594.82 million). UAE imported spices amounting to Rs. 2,766 crore (US$ 320.36 million). Additionally, Bangladesh imported spices worth Rs. 2,639 crore (US$ 305.60 million) from India during FY25 (up to February 2025).
Chilli was the most exported spice from India. During FY23, China imported US$ 409.44 million in chilli. During the same period, the USA imported US$ 96.38 million in chilli.
The main products imported by the USA are celery, cumin, curry powder, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, chilli, and mint products.
Government Initiatives
Export Development and Promotion of Spices
This initiative by the Spices Board of India aims to support the exporter to adopt high-tech processing technologies and upgrade the existing level of technology for the development of industry and to meet the changing food safety standards of the importing countries. The initiative provides benefits of infrastructure development, promoting Indian spice brands abroad, setting up infrastructure in the major spice growing centres, promoting organic spices and special programmes for north-eastern entrepreneurs.
Setting up and maintenance of infrastructure for common processing (Spices Parks)
Spices Board has launched eight crop-specific Spices Parks in key production/market centres intending to facilitate the farmers to get an improved price realization and wider reach for their produce. The purpose of the park is to have an integrated operation for cultivation, post-harvesting, processing, value-addition, packaging and storage of spices and spice products. The common processing facilities for cleaning, grading, packing, and steam sterilization will help the farmers to enhance the quality of the produce, resulting in better price realization.
Spice Complex Sikkim
Spices Board submitted a project proposal to the state’s cell for setting up a Spice Complex in Sikkim seeking financial assistance for facilitating and demonstrating common processing and value addition in spices to help farmers and other stakeholders in the state.
Governing Body
Spices Board of India
The Spices Board of India is set up for the development and global promotion of Indian spices. It acts as a link between Indian exporters and importers abroad. The main activities of the board involve promotion, maintenance and monitoring of quality, development of better production methods, guidance, financial and material support to growers, infrastructure facilitation and research. This board has been spearheading activities for the excellence of Indian spices, involving every segment of the industry.
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Sugandha Bhavan
N.H. By-Pass, Palarivattom P.O.
Cochin - 682025
Kerala
India
Tel.:+91-484-2333610
Fax: +91-484-2334429
Email: spicesboard@vsnl.com
Website: www.indianspices.com
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