The Hindu Business Line : Good scope seen for spices in US, Japan

THE Spices Board has identified the US and Japan as potential export markets with the former alone expected to generate $80 million, constituting 10 per cent of that market, in the next five years.

"A market survey has suggested that the Indian exporters could grab a 10 per cent market share there," said Mr C.J. Jose, Chairman of Spices Board.

Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, on the sidelines of the Seventh World Spices Congress, Mr Jose said the board had distributed the findings to various exporters. "They are yet to come out with their response," he said.

He said the move was part of the board's initiative to promote domestic spices brands abroad. "We will start our campaign in the US and Japan to begin with."

He said that the focus was now on "non-traditional use of spices like usage in food colours and preparation of functional food."

With regard to the issue of pesticide residues, Mr Jose said that the board had taken up work in 60 villages in Guntur, Warangal and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh to help the farmers use alternative methods.

"We have learnt that farmers here use a cocktail of pesticides on the advice of pesticide sellers, resulting in higher than permissible levels of pesticide residues. What we need is responsible use of pesticides," he said.

"We are trying to link up our initiatives with exporters. We are ready to extend this service to as many villages provided that we get the assistance of farmers' associations," Mr Jose said.

Commenting on the Red Sudan-I issue in chillies, he said it was too early to say anything about losses. "We have deregistered three firms following the eruption of the issue and made it obligatory for exporters to notify before 48 hours of the proposed shipment and get certified."