Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

12-December-2011 16:25 IST

India is facing stiff competition from major competing countries like Vietnam, China, Guatemala, Indonesia, Nigeria, Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria, Iran etc in different spices.

In the case of spices like Pepper, Cardamom, Ginger, Garlic etc., Indian prices are uncompetitive in the world market, the major reason being the high productivity and low cost of production in major competing countries. However, due to the intrinsic quality of Indian spices, the produce from India fetches a premium price in the world market.

The Government has given in principle approval for establishing the Spice Park at Kota under Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development of Exports (ASIDE) Scheme with a financial support of Rs.10.00 Crore. The Govt of Rajasthan has allotted 12.14 ha of land in Nimana village of Ramganjmandi, Kota District for setting up of Spices Park on a free hold basis. The Spices Board has entrusted the work to M/s KITCO, Ltd as the consultant of the project. The spices park at Kota is aimed at setting up of infrastructure and processing facilities for the Seed Spice, especially Coriander and Cumin.

This information was given by Shri Jyotiradiya M. Scindia, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

DS/GK

Infrastructure support for spice exports enables establishment of a spice park to boost processing and market competitiveness. The Government approved establishment of a Spice Park at Kota under the Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development of Exports (ASIDE) Scheme, with central financial support, allotment of 12.14 hectares of freehold land in Nimana village, and appointment of a consultant to develop infrastructure and processing facilities for seed spices, particularly coriander and cumin, to enhance export competitiveness and capture premium world-market prices.