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KOCHI: The Union minister of state for Commerce, Mr Jairam Ramesh, has called for an integrated model for development of pepper to increase its production in the country and compete with countries such as Vietnam.

The Spices Board, which has been given the responsibility with regard to cardamom promotion, must be entrusted the same responsibility as regards with Pepper, the Minister said here. The board only deals with pepper export.

In the 11th plan, the Spices Board had set apart Rs 92 crore for enhancing Cardamom production and productivity, while only Rs 2 crore had been allotted for Pepper.

The responsibility of increasing production and productivity of pepper lies with the state government presently. The Minister said he had apprised the Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh and Agricultural Minister, Mr Sharad Pawar, the need for an integrat ed model for development of pepper and the minister had reacted 'positively'.

The State government must handover the responsibility of pepper to Spices Board, he said. – PTI

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