Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan on Friday inaugurated the “Bharat Spices Conclave 2026,” organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), and outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform and expand India’s spice sector.
Addressing industry stakeholders in New Delhi, Paswan described the conclave as a key platform to drive innovation, policy alignment, and strategic growth in the spices ecosystem. He emphasized that India must move beyond a volume-driven approach and focus on value addition, improved processing, and stronger integration with global markets to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Highlighting the legacy of spices in India’s trade history, the minister noted that the country exports over 225 spices and value-added products to nearly 200 countries, generating exports worth more than $4 billion. The domestic spices market, meanwhile, exceeds $10 billion, making India the world’s largest consumer. Major export items include chilli, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, and spice blends, with key markets such as China, the United States, and Bangladesh.
However, Paswan raised concerns over quality inconsistencies that have led to an increase in rejection of Indian spice consignments at international ports in recent years, often due to the presence of harmful residues. He stressed that maintaining uniform quality standards is essential for building long-term global trust. “A single rejection can damage credibility built over years,” he remarked, underlining the need for strict compliance with varying international Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs).
The minister also highlighted the role of policy support, including 100% FDI in food processing and schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), in strengthening the value chain and encouraging entrepreneurship in the sector.
The conclave brought together policymakers, exporters, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies for boosting exports, enhancing quality, and positioning Indian spices as globally competitive brands.