UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘India holds only 0.7% of global Spices market despite being the world’s largest producer: WSO’ : 8 March

Daily News Analysis ‘India holds only 0.7% of global Spices market despite being the world’s largest producer: WSO’ : 8 March

Key Points:

According to WSO, despite being the world’s largest producer and exporter of various spices, India’s presence in the global seasoning market remains minimal.
The global market was valued at $14 billion in 2024. India’s share in this market stands at just 0.7%. In comparison, China holds a 12% share, while the U.S.A. accounts for 11%.

About World Spice Organisation (WSO):

The World Spice Organisation (WSO) is a not-for-profit entity.
It is registered under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act, 1956.
Objectives:
- Its primary goal is to assist the spice industry in addressing food safety and sustainability challenges.
- WSO engages with various stakeholders, including the general public, industry, academia, and end-users.
- It also aims to strengthen Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives within the spice industry.

Key Details of Spices Crops
Climatic Requirements	Mostly tropical and subtropical climates; temperature and moisture vary by spice type
Major Spice-Producing States in India	Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam
Soil Requirements	Well-drained soil; loamy, sandy, or lateritic soil, depending on the spice.
Important Spices Grown in India	Cardamom, Pepper, Turmeric, Ginger, Clove, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cumin, Coriander, Mustard, Fenugreek, Fennel, Saffron, Ajwain, Bay leaf.
Governing Body in India	Spices Board of India (under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry)
Key Government Schemes	Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for Organic Spices