Question : SPICE INDUSTRY

(a) the quantity and value of various spices exported during each of the last three years and the current year, country-wise and item-wise;

(b) the details of places which are encouraged by the Government for the production and export of different spices during the above period, item-wise and location-wise;

(c) whether pepper market is facing the problem of low stocks;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to promote the production and export of various spices and to protect the interest of farmers?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) : Details of exports of major spices to major countries for the last three years viz. 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 is given at Annexure-A. Item-wise exports for the year 2008- 09(April-December) is at Annexure-B.

(b) : Production Development programmes for cardamom (small) is mainly taken up in the States of Kerala (Idukki, Wynadu and Palghat districts), Karnataka (Coorg, Hassan, Chickmagalore, Shimoga and North Canara districts) and Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris, Madurai, Thirunelveli, Kamarajar and Coimbatore districts). For large cardamom the programmes are being implemented in the State of Sikkim and Darjeeling District of West Bengal. Post harvest programmes are implemented in major spice producing centers throughout India. The export development & promotion programmes are implemented on All India basis for the benefit of spices exporters located in various states. National Horticulture Mission is providing assistance to the State Governments and State Horticulture Missions for production of other spices. A scheme called Technology Mission & Integrated Development of Horticulture in North Eastern States and Himalayan States is also in operation for production of Spices.

(c): No Sir.

(d): Does not arise.

(e) During XI Plan period Spices Board is implementing production development programmes of cardamom small & large and post harvest improvement programmes for other spices. Two schemes viz. “Special Purpose Fund for Replantation & Rejuvenation of Cardamom Plantations” and “Export Oriented Production & Post Harvest Improvement of Spices” are being implemented for providing assistance to farmers for improving production and productivity of cardamom small & large and improving quality of the spices, in the various spice growing States of the country.

The major export development/promotion programmes of the Board implemented during the XI plan period are as follows.

# Adoption of Hi-tech in Spice processing

# Technology process upgradation in processing units

# Set up/Upgrade quality evaluation lab by the exporters, Quality certification

# Packaging development and Bar coding

# Product development and research for high-end value addition

# Sending business samples abroad, brochure printing

# Setting up of common facilities for cleaning, grading, processing, ware housing, packaging etc. (Spice Parks).

# Participation in international fairs/meetings/seminars