India is one of the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices in the World. We have an illustrious history of producing and exporting the spices to over 80 countries. India has made its mark when it comes to the production and export of spices. Western countries and the middle-east look up to India for the imports of spices in their countries. India is celebrated widely for producing high-quality spices like cumin, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, chilies, and turmeric.India is home to a variety of spices. India produces more than 60 spices, thanks to the varying climatic conditions.
However, even the cultivation of spices becoming a victim of lousy agriculture practices by excessive and unregulated use of fertilizers and pesticides to boost their production. The rampant use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers leaves its catastrophic residues and also pollutes the soil and environment. And this is the reason why traders shun many of our crops of spices for export to other countries as they’ve failed to comply with the standards due to its poor quality.There is a dire need to address this issue to make sure the proper cultivation and trade practices of spices.
IFFCO Kisan provides experts advice to hundreds of FPO’s and progressive farmers related to the right and best practices of cultivation of spices. Also, IFFCO Kisan is associated with the trading of Cumin and turmeric and facilitates progressive farmers and FPO’s for easy trade practices of spices. There are various quality enhancement programs sponsored by IFFCO Kisan along with the crop specific, zone-specific advisory services in vernacular languages. IFFCO Kisan is encouraging and supporting farmers to adopt good agriculture practices (GAP’s) and helps in ensuring that our spices adhere to the requirements of the export demanded by the traders.
Mr. Sandeep Malhotra,MD and CEO, IFFCO Kisan, said, “We’ve initiated the training programs at block and district levels to different FPOs and farmers regarding the adoption of good agriculture practices. We have been encouraging the farmers to adopt GAP’s and produce safe and harmless spices which will comply with the International norms and standards, it will help them to get good prices of their produce”.
He further added, “Due to the wide acceptance of organic farming, FPOs and their progressive farmers have started the organic farming of spices under the guidance of IFFCO Kisan. It will keep the taste and health benefits intact. As the consuming countries like the US, Vietnam, and UAE have strict quality assurance norms, quality is an essential parameter for export of spices.
Blend of different spices is the soul of Indian cuisine.
Indian cuisines are celebrated for its extensive use of spices. We just cannot have our food without the touch of spices in it. It’s a must to have in every Indian house.
There are various types of spices which have been adding colors, aroma, and taste in our life!!
- Cardamom: -The spice which has managed to make its place in the World Cuisine.
Cardamom is highly desirable in our one of the most consumable hot beverage i.e. chai. It is everyone’s favorite when it comes to adding taste and flavor in your sweet dishes. Moreover, it has found its place in the savory dishes, basmati rice, and various curries as well. Very often you’ll find people chewing something constantly – yes that’s our very own cardamom or ‘ilaichi’. This amazing member of the ginger family is not only popular in India, but it is widely accepted worldwide. Middle-eastern, Swedish, Turkish, and Arabic people adore the cardamom grown in India.
- Turmeric : Golden spice
Turmeric has medicinal properties, and it has significant health and skin benefits. Turmeric contains ‘curcumin’ which has antioxidant properties and the reason why turmeric is advisable to drink along with milk to repair the damage. It gives mustard like pungent aroma and yellow color to our dishes. It is known as a golden spice. Due to the presence of a high amount of curcum in and its medicinal properties, Indian turmeric is considered to be the best in the world. It is your go-to solution for many health problems.
- Black pepper:It’s one of the most consumable spices around the world. It is also used as a seasoning and something that you can easily find in the dining tables. It works as an exfoliator and improves skin health. It also helps in reducing the weight by boosting the metabolism. It is chiefly used for adding more flavors to the dishes, salads, and beverages – like our very own buttermilk. Known for adding flavor and heat in the bland meals.
- Saffron: There’s no alternative of the unique bittersweet taste, exotic aroma, and texture which saffron offers, and that is the reason why it is so popular and expensive worldwide.The cultivation and harvesting of saffron demand laborious activity, the reason why it is so expensive. It has a divine aroma. It is also used in textiles and perfumes. It has countless health benefits, from treating coughs and fever to memory loss. It is often referred to as the king of spices.
- Cumin: Widely used in various dishes throughout the world. Extensively used in Indian, Mexican, and African dishes. It is considered to be beneficial for the liver and stomach. It has a smoky flavor and a very unique taste and is used in spice blends with other spices like cinnamon and coriander. It is a gifted spice and is quite extravagant and can be added in many dishes. It helps in preventing diabetes and maintains the cholesterol level.
- Cinnamon (Sweet spice): It is high in taste with notable medicinal properties. Made from the inner bark of some specific trees species. Regarded as an anti-oxidant as it protects the body from free radicals. It has anti-diabetic functions, and also maintains the blood sugar levels. It is rich in fiber along with several other minerals and vitamins. It is used to add an intense flavor to many dishes, desserts, and beverages. Also known forSlowing down the aging.
Red chili powder:A must use in every kitchen to make food spicier.Hot spice. Almost all the dishes are cooked with adding red chili powder except the sweet dishes.Must- have for your not so bland diet. From a culinary point of view, its uses are eternal (endless). Moreover, it has a huge global demand andvery sought-after throughout the world because of its exquisite aroma and taste.