SPICES BOARD - Introduction

Out of the 109 spices listed by the ISO, India produces as many as 75 in its various agro climatic regions. India accounts for about 45% (2,50,000 tons-2002-03) of the global spice exports, though exports constitute only some 8% of the estimated annual production of spices at 3.2 million tons (2002). Over all, spices are grown in some 2.9 million hectares in the country. Spice production in India, as much of the agriculture in the country, is undertaken in millions of tiny holdings and determine the livelihood of large number of the rural population.