SPICED Up: India’s New Strategy to Boost Sustainable Spice Exports

SPICED Up: India’s New Strategy to Boost Sustainable Spice Exports

India’s spice sector, a centuries-old pillar of global trade, is set to enter a new phase of growth with the launch of the SPICED scheme—Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development—by the Spices Board of India for FY 2025-26. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian spices in the international market while ensuring sustainability, quality, and traceability across the value chain.

India currently accounts for the largest share of global spice exports. In FY 2024 alone, the country exported spices worth US$ 4.46 billion, with production touching 12 million metric tonnes, up from 11.14 million tonnes in FY23. With increasing global demand for high-quality, organic, and sustainably produced spices, the SPICED scheme could not be more timely.

Driving Growth from the Ground Up

The scheme targets farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and exporters, offering financial assistance across the entire value chain—from farm to foreign markets. Some of its key interventions include:

• Replantation and rejuvenation of cardamom plantations to improve productivity.

• Promotion of organic farming and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for better compliance with international standards.

• Post-harvest infrastructure upgrades like advanced dryers, dehullers, polishers, and distillation units for consistent quality.

• Water resource development and micro-irrigation systems to improve efficiency and climate resilience.

• Such interventions are critical for smallholder farmers, who make up a significant portion of India’s spice production. According to the Spices Board, encouraging modern post-harvest practices and compliance with global food safety and phytosanitary standards will ensure Indian spices maintain their competitive edge.

A Global Vision

For international buyers and partners, the SPICED scheme promises improved quality assurance and traceability. It also emphasizes the promotion of GI-tagged and value-added products, which appeal to premium markets in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. “Sustainability is not just an option—it’s a necessity. SPICED ensures India’s spices remain globally relevant,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Commerce.

Moreover, the scheme actively supports first-time exporters and MSMEs, offering platforms for global exposure through participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and targeted market linkage programs. This aligns with India’s broader goals under the Make in India initiative and the National Export Policy.

Rising Organic Footprint

India’s organic exports also reflect this shift toward sustainable agriculture. The export of organic food products rose by 35% to $665.96 million in FY25, up from $494.80 million the previous year, signaling growing global trust in India’s green agriculture movement (Source).

The Road Ahead

Online applications for the SPICED scheme open on May 26, 2025. Exporters can apply until June 30, while farmers and FPOs have until September 30. With holistic support and a future-focused approach, SPICED represents a powerful opportunity for stakeholders across the globe to engage with India’s spice sector.

For buyers, traders, and agri-tech innovators—India is not just a source of spices. It’s a partner in sustainability.