Experts Discuss Profitable Spice Cultivation at Annual Meeting

Key Highlights

• The annual meeting focuses on enhancing spice cultivation profitability.
• Experts advocate for natural farming practices among farmers.
• Improved crop varieties and climate adaptation are essential for success.
• India is the largest producer and exporter of spices globally.
• Addressing industry challenges is crucial for food and nutrition security.

The annual group meeting for the 35th All-India Coordinated Research Project on Spices started on Tuesday at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU). The event lasted for three days and featured experts from across the country.
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Key Guests and Participants

Dr. SK Singh, the Deputy Director General of Horticulture at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), was the chief guest. He highlighted the potential for farmers to earn higher profits by cultivating spice crops compared to other crops. The meeting is organized by the Department of Vegetable Science at HAU, alongside the Central Spices Research Institute from Kozhikode, Kerala. Scientists from 40 All-India Agricultural Research Project Centres are taking part.

Promoting Natural Farming

During the discussions, experts emphasized the importance of natural farming in spice cultivation. Dr. Singh stressed the need for more work on spice cultivation from seed to market. He encouraged farmers to form groups with the help of Farmer Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) to increase collaboration and support.

Dr. Singh also pointed out that adapting farming practices to climatic conditions and using improved crop varieties can lead to better profits. He mentioned that it is crucial to not only increase spice production but also to improve their quality to ensure health and safety.

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India: A Global Leader in Spices

HAU Vice Chancellor, Dr. BR Kamboj, noted that India is often called the "Land of Spices." The country is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices worldwide. Out of 109 spices recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), India grows 63 varieties due to its diverse climates. Among these, 20 are classified as seed spices, which make up a significant portion of the country’s spice production.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Dr. Kamboj also highlighted the need to tackle several challenges facing the spice industry, such as decreasing productivity, soil health problems, and climate change. He called for the use of modern technology to boost spice production and ensure food and nutrition security for the nation.

The three-day meeting is expected to help experts share insights and formulate strategies for future spice research and cultivation initiatives.

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CMV360 Says

This meeting marks a significant step toward enhancing the spice cultivation industry in India. By promoting natural farming practices and improving crop varieties, experts aim to support farmers in achieving greater profitability and sustainability in spice production.