The Union Minister of State for Commerce Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasised the need to promote spices domestically considering the growing local demand.

She also called for a composite approach for promotion of spices as many of the regions in the North-East are doing very well in growing spices. “It is important to put our energy to develop this discreet but all pervasive market in India,” she said while launching the composite promotion for spices organised by the Spices Board here on Friday.

The Ministry, she said, is taking all-out efforts for the promotion of spices not only in Kerala but also in other regions. She assured that farmers and spice growers would be given equal importance in getting fair prices for their produce.

On pepper imports, the Minister said that the Commerce Ministry would have a comprehensive look on the problems in pepper production, as increased imports will affect farmer’s produce. The Minister also unveiled composite promotion for spices which includes mediums of expression like promotional films on spices, a coffee table book on spices and a tagline for branding Indian cuisine – Indian Cuisine Symphony of Spices.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy pointed out that the decline in pepper production is a matter of concern and this has prompted the country to go for imports. This was disappointing, he said, and called upon all the Government agencies to take appropriate measures to revive pepper production.

Besides pepper, small scale farmers are reluctant to take up ginger, turmeric farming. The Spices Board should come up with programmes to encourage production of these commodities and this would also help improve State’s economy, he added.

A Jayathilak, Chairman, Spices Board, said that the campaign is aimed at enhancing the goodwill for Indian cuisine and spices, catalyse realisation of better prices by spice farmers.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW