Spices Production In India Reached 10 Mn Tonnes In 2021-22: Red Lab Report

India's rich tapestry is interwoven with threads of culture and diversity, and this geographical diversity is a testament to its unparalleled beauty and each strand adding depth to its vibrant mosaic. It emerges not just as a nation but as a sacred pilgrimage, a land where gods and traditions are revered. India's culinary landscape truly captures the imagination. 

From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of its southern coast and from the verdant fields of the eastern plains to the arid deserts of the west every corner of this land pulsates with life, colour and essence. It's a place where dreams take flight on the wings of hope, where aspirations find fertile ground to flourish and thrive. 

Renowned as the infamous spice capital of the world, India: The Golden Sparrow of Masalas, tantalises the taste buds with its remarkable variety of flavours and aromas. From the fiery depths of red chillies to the subtle fragrance of cardamom, each spice tells a story, weaving together a tapestry of culinary delight that is as diverse as it is enchanting.

Spice Industry And Export In India

As India is the world's leading spice producer, it is also the largest consumer and exporter of spices. The production of various spices has experienced significant growth in recent years, reaching 10.88 million tonnes in 2021-22. The export of spices during 2020-21 hit an all-time high in both value and volume, with a 17 per cent increase in US dollar value and a 30 per cent surge in volume.

For the year 2021-2022, the country exported spices worth US$ 4,102.29 million.

In September 2022, spice exports from India surged by 6.62 per cent to US$ 330.46 million. From 2017-2018 to 2021-22, India's spice exports witnessed a CAGR of 10.47 per cent, reaching 1.53 million tonnes in the latter year.

During 2020-21, the export of various spices including chilli, ginger, cardamom, coriander, turmeric, and others saw an expansion in both value and volume compared to 2019-20.

Most Spicy States: Leading Spice Export from Indian States

The leading spice-producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

India's dominance in spice exports is evident as it exported spices worth US$ 4,102.29 million in 2021-22

Chilli Leads The Way

Chilli emerged as the single largest exported spice from India in 2021-22, followed by spice oils and oleoresins, mint products, cumin and turmeric. India boasts the production of 75 out of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). 

Pepper, cardamom, chilli, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils and oleoresins are among the most produced and exported spices, accounting for approximately 76 per cent of the total. 

Additionally, value-added products like spice oils and oleoresins experienced growth in both value and volume, while exports of curry powder/paste surged in value. Moreover, the export of mint products increased notably in terms of volume during the same period. 

The demand for spices remains steadfast, with burgeoning industries continually innovating to utilise spices beyond their traditional role of flavouring food, new habits are changing the way we think about and consume spices.