Kochi, 9 October: Calling for a strategic transformation of India’s spice sector from volume-driven trade to value-led growth, Shri Gyanendra D. Tripathi, IAS, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, today inaugurated the Reforms Utsav Seminar on “Bharat Spice Map: Mapping India’s Spice Diversity for Self-Reliance and Global Markets” in Kochi organised by Spices Board in collaboration with ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR). He urged the sector to move beyond its conventional role as a supplier of commodities and emerge as a provider of innovative, value-added solutions to meet the evolving requirements of domestic and global markets.

Addressing the gathering, Shri M. S. Manivannan, IAS, Secretary, Spices Board, emphasised that the Bharat Spice Map envisages much more than the geographical mapping of India’s spice resources. “The aim is to build a knowledge ecosystem that enables us to discover, protect, utilise and add value to India’s rich spice wealth in the form required by the global markets. By transforming mapping into a strategic instrument for informed decision-making, the initiative seeks to strengthen farmers, support industry, reduce avoidable import dependence, expand export opportunities and position India as a global leader not only in spice production but also in the quality, innovation and value it offers to the world,” he said.

The seminar brought together policymakers, agricultural scientists, researchers, industry representatives and other stakeholders to deliberate on the scope and methodology of the proposed Bharat Spice Map and explore how geospatial technologies and data-driven interventions could strengthen the spice value chain, enhance domestic sourcing and improve India’s competitiveness in global markets.

The first technical session, “Reforms Utsav Initiative and Interventions for Geospatial Mapping”, examined the potential of geospatial technologies in strengthening the planning and management of the spice sector was chaired by Shri Nisesh Shah, Managing Director, Universal Oleoresins & Chairman, All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF). Kochi. Shri Nithin Joe, Deputy Director (Planning & Coordination), Spices Board India, outlined the reforms being undertaken by the Board and introduced the Bharat Spice Map concept. Dr T. E. Sheeja, Head and Principal Scientist, Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, highlighted India’s rich diversity of spices.

The session also explored lessons from existing geospatial initiatives. Dr Radhakrishnan T., Assistant Professor and Head of the Geospatial Division, Digital University Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, presented the Comprehensive Rubber Information System Platform (CRISP), highlighting its application of geospatial technology and the potential for adapting similar approaches to the spice sector. Shri Ajay Patel, Director, Geo-Spatial Applications, Bhaskara National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, shared insights from the PM GatiShakti initiative and its role in facilitating integrated planning and streamlining infrastructure development.

The second technical session, chaired by Dr. R. Dinesh, Director, ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, “Industry Requirements for Spice Varieties with Specific Intrinsic Quality Attributes for Value Addition”, focused on industry demand, high-value applications and opportunities for import substitution. The discussions highlighted the need to identify and promote spice varieties with quality attributes suited to specific industrial applications and international market requirements. They also emphasised the importance of establishing reliable sourcing systems and strengthening linkages among farmers, researchers, processors and exporters.

Shri Geemon Korah, Director and CEO, Mane Kancor Ingredients Pvt. Ltd., spoke on high-end value addition through spice oils, oleoresins, extracts and nutraceuticals. Shri Arvind J. Shah, Senior Manager, Nedspice Processing India Pvt. Ltd., discussed opportunities for import substitution to meet domestic industry requirements. Shri Uthayakumar, Secretary, Health of People & Environment (HOPE), The Nilgiris, presented a success story highlighting interventions in herbal spices. Dr Homey Cherian, Director (Retd.), Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD), Kozhikode, discussed efforts to rejuvenate Alleppey Finger Turmeric and Cochin Ginger through collaboration between industry and government.

Chairing the valedictory session, Adv. Sangeetha Viswanathan, Chairperson, Spices Board, expressed her appreciation to the experts, researchers, institutions, farmers, industry representatives, exporters and other stakeholders for their valuable participation and support in this collaborative initiative. She highlighted the importance of collective efforts and continued engagement among stakeholders in advancing the Bharat Spice Map initiative towards a more self-reliant, quality-driven and globally competitive Indian spice sector.

The deliberations highlighted the need to integrate scientific knowledge, geospatial information and industry requirements to develop a more responsive, quality-driven and competitive spice value chain. Systematic mapping of spice-growing regions and varieties, supported by data on intrinsic quality parameters such as volatile oil content, colour value and pungency, can help address existing information gaps, facilitate informed sourcing decisions and identify varieties with greater potential for value addition and export markets.

As a key outcome of the discussions, the seminar envisaged the development of the Bharat Spice Map as an integrated, market-oriented digital platform to align spice production with industry requirements and evolving global demand. By aligning India’s diverse spice resources with scientific insights and market requirements, the Bharat Spice Map is envisaged as an important instrument for advancing self-reliance and strengthening India’s position in global spice markets.

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