Mumbai, 10 January :India is known as the ‘Spice Bowl’ of the world. It produces a number of quality, rare and medicinal spices. With an aim to open up newer opportunities to promote international trade of Indian spices, the 14th edition of the World Spice Congress (WSC), is to be held in Mumbai from 16-18 February 2023.
D Sathiyan, Secretary, Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stated that this edition of the WSC is special because it coincides with India’s G20 presidency. He was speaking at the curtain-raiser press conference held in Mumbai today. He further said that it will provide a platform for the stakeholders to discuss the industry’s current trends after COVID-19 and chart out a way forward. The event, organised to create a platform not only for traders but also policy regulators, will have special business sessions dedicated to promoting spice trade among the G20 countries. Policy makers, regulatory authorities, spice trade associations, government officials as well as technical experts from key G20 countries will participate in the event, informed Shri. Sathiyan. The theme of the WSC 2023 is VISION 2030: S-P-I-C-E-S (Sustainability, Productivity, Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence and Safety).
Speaking about choosing Maharashtra as the venue for the WSC, Shri. Sathiyan said, “Maharashtra is a one of the leading states producing spices. It is the largest producer of turmeric in India. Maharashtra produces two GI tagged turmeric varieties and one GI tagged chilli variety. Coastal areas of Maharashtra are also known for production of GI tagged Kokum. The state is one of the largest exporting hubs for spices.”
Providing details of the events planned for the Congress, Mr. Sathiyan said that, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Smt. Anupriya Patel, Minister of the State, Ministry of Commerce and Industry have consented to grace the WSC 2023, to be held at the CIDCO International Convention Centre, Navi Mumbai. Shri Piyush Goyal will also distribute the trophies and Awards for Excellence in Exports of Spices on 17th February 2023.
While elaborating on the spice trade in India, Shri Sathiyan said that during 2022-23, there has been an increased demand for certain spices, especially the seed spices including cumin, fenugreek, Bishop’s weed (Ajwain), Dill, Poppy, Aniseed, Mustard and others. Garlic has registered an increase of 170% in quantity during April-October 2022 compared to the same period last year. Some other spices such as Saffron, which had a bumper crop in the current season, Asafoetida, Cinnamon and Cassia also show a positive trend. Value added products derived from spices such as curry powder also show a positive trend.
A majority of the spice trade in India takes place during the last quarter of the year and the Indian spice industry is looking forward to an increased export of spices during January -March 2023, which is expected to take the total exports towards the USD 4 billion mark. The WSC 2023 will provide a platform to further explore diverse possibilities in this area.