Question : PRODUCTION OF SPICES

(a) the production of various spices in the country during each of the last two years and the current year, State and variety-wise;

(b) whether a decline in area under cultivation and production of various spices including pepper has been registered in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and

(d) the details of the schemes / programmes undertaken to boost the production along with the steps being taken by the Government to increase the area under spice cultivation?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)

(a) to (d) Statement showing production of various spices in the country during each of last two years and the current year, State-wise and spice-wise is given at Annexure I & II.

While the area under spices is more or less stable, the total production of spices in the country has increased from 52.38 lakh MT during 2009-10 to 59.51 lakh MT during 2011-12. However, production of pepper has been fluctuating and has declined in 2011-12 compared to previous years. Reasons for this, inter-alia include the following :-

# Substantial number of pepper gardens have turned senile.

# Widespread incidence of pests and diseases resulting I in low productivity.

# Replacement of pepper area with other lucrative alternate crops like rubber.

The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation is implementing two Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz, (i) Horticulture Mission for North-East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) and (ii) National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in remaining States and Union Territories of the country for the holistic development of horticulture crops including spices.