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. Production in 2021-22 stood at 10.88 million tonnes. During 2020-21, the export of spices reached an all-time high both in terms of value and volume by registering a growth of 17% in US$ value terms and 30% in volume terms.
During 2021-22, 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 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 make up about 76% of the total production.
The largest spices-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.