India

Technical Assistance to strengthen capacity of national stakeholders in spice value chain

Project's full title Technical Assistance to strengthen capacity of national stakeholders in spice value chain
Country India
Start date 01/04/2020
End date 31/03/2022
Status Completed
Project Code TCP/IND/3801
Objective / Goal

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable

Objectives: The TCP will focus on an innovative approach by developing Package of Practices (POPs) and training materials related to GAP and GHP for four spices namely cumin, fennel, coriander and black pepper in four selected areas (Paderu in Andhra Pradesh, Mehsana district of Gujarat, Jodhpur district of Rajasthan and Guna district of Madhya Pradesh).

Description: Spices and herbs contribute up to five per cent of the farm production in India. Approximately 3 million metric tons of spices are produced annually in India, with exports of nearly 0.8 million tons, mainly to countries like the US, Europe, Japan, Middle East and East Asia. Although India is a major producer, consumer and exporter of spices, the volume spice exports remain low in large part due to food safety and hygiene issues. Ironically, the spice exports from India face rapid alerts and border rejections by importing countries due to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) issues, which have negative effects on consumer health, incomes of farmers, other stakeholders in the spice value chain and the national economy. Most farmers in India are small and marginal and depend on farming for their living. Being a garden crop, most farming households rely on the production of spices. Strengthening the spices value chain in India has the potential of not only benefiting large numbers of farmers but also, to expand the exports from the country.

This activity will complement the ongoing Standards and Trade Development Facilities (STDF) project - MTF/IND/198/STF being implemented by FAO that aims to implement improved food safety management systems and international food safety standards (Codex) in order to expand the production, improve food safety and quality, promote value addition and boost exports of Indian spices.

Donor: FAO

Expected Outputs:

  • Enhanced capacity (in the public and academia) to deliver training/ awareness programs on risk-based assessments and Good Practices along the identified spice value chains.
  • Activities (not mentioned in website but output is just one hence putting it here)
  • Develop Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
  • Develop Good Hygienic Practices (GHP)
  • Develop baseline
  • Training of Trainers (ToTs) programme