(a) whether India, the largest pepper producer, has been downgraded in the international market
due to its poor quality of pepper as a result of water shortage;
(b) if so, whether the Government have any proposal to opt for Research and Development
Technology, high quality seeds etc; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a): India is the largest producer of pepper in the world. The higher average f.o.b prices of
pepper at source market (Cochin in India) for ASTA grade black pepper are reflective of the quality
of pepper offered in India. The export of pepper has, however, decreased during 2002-2003 due to
cheaper supplies from other countries.
(b)&(c): Research in spices is being carried out at Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut.
The institute has identified high quality varieties of pepper with higher oil and oleoresins content.
The thrust is given on research on integrated pest, disease and nutrient management to minimize use
of toxic chemicals. Biological based formulation for the control of major diseases like foot rot and
slow wilt are available in the market. For development of pepper, under the Centrally Sponsored
Scheme on `Macro Management in Agriculture – Supplementing/Complementing the State Efforts
through Work Plans` following programmes are implemented:-
(a) Production of quality planting materials of high yielding varieties of black pepper and
their distribution on subsidized rates to the farmers.
(b) Establishment and management of field demonstration plots for popularizing high
yielding varieties and also improved cultivation practices.
(c) Adoption of integrated pests and disease management practices.
(d) Encouraging rejuvenation of old and unproductive gardens.
(e) Effective transfer of technology.