(a) whether the Government has formulated a new industrial policy on export and import of spices;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government provided subsidy to spices manufacturers and traders on export and import of spices;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to promote spices manufacturing companies?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a)&(b): No Madam. However, Foreign Trade Policy (2015-20) evolved by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry covers the export and import of agricultural commodities including spices.
(c) & (e): The Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) implemented by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs involved in exporting goods/ products which are produced/manufactured in India are available for exporters including Spices. DGFT also provides duty exemption for import of spices for value addition and re-exports under Advance Authorization Scheme to spices manufacturers and traders.
Under the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research & Development of Cardamom, assistance is provided to spice manufacturing companies by Spices Board which inter alia includes setting up of hi-tech equipments, technology upgradation, setting up/upgradation of in- house labs, quality certification, spice parks for common processing etc.
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