Question : EXPORT AND IMPORT OF SPICES

(a) the quantum and value of export and import of different spices during each of the last three years and the current year, item and country-wise;

(b) the share of India in world`s total export along with share of various states therein;

(c) whether a huge influx of spices particularly cardamom from foreign countries to Indian markets has resulted in fall in price of Indian spices, particularly cardamom;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the remedial steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(e) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to boost export of spices including pepper and cardamom and indicating the support provided to their growers for adopting/following organic cultivation and planting methods?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a): The item-wise export and import of spices for the last three years and current year up to September 2014 are given in Annexures I & II respectively. Details of country wise export and import details of spices are given in Annexures III & IV respectively.

(b): Export of spices from India accounts for 48% in volume and 43% in value of the global spice trade. Share of states in export is not compiled as spices from various states are transported to major market centers across the country and exported through the ports.

(c) & (d): Details of production and import of spices including Cardamom and the average domestic price of Cardamom and the imported Cardamom are given at Annexure-V. Compared with domestic production, the import of spices including cardamom is small and has not had a significant impact on domestic prices. The government has taken measures to prevent inflow of cardamom through illegal means by alerting the custom authorities.

(e): Spices Board implements various export development and promotional activities and assists the producers and exporters for increasing the export of spices and spice products from the country. High-end value addition in spices is encouraged through upgradation of quality and providing infrastructural facilities through spices parks and laboratories. The Spices Board provides financial assistance to farmers for organic farm certification, support for setting up organic farm input units and organic cultivation of spices with a view to promote organic production of spices.