Minister urges spice farmers, exports to double efforts

Kochi, Feb 22 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Parkash here on Saturday asked the spice farmers to double their output and urged exporters to increase trade with other countries to help India reach the $5 trillion economy goal and become a global powerhouse by 2024-25.

Parkash said this while addressing a function. He also presented Spices Board trophies and awards for sustainable development of the spices sector.

"We are in discussion with all stakeholders to achieve the $5 trillion goal. The Centre will extend all help to farmers and exporters. We will have to work hard to make the dream come true," he said.

He stressed formation of farmers' clusters for all crops and spoke about a new agriculture export policy for integrating farmers and farm products with the global value chains. It would help in achieving the set goal for agriculture exports, he added.

"India is one of the largest producers, exporters and consumers of spices. Every state is producing spices and its value-added products come to around 900,000 tonnes a year," he said.

India produces around 180 spice products that are exported to 160 countries.

The event also played a curtain raiser for the 14th edition of World Spice Congress, to be held in Navi Mumbai in November with the partnership of Spices Board, spice exporters' associations and other members of spice fraternity.