Inauguration Highlights Assam’s Spice Potential
Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, inaugurated the session, welcoming international delegates and highlighting the North-Eastern region’s rich biodiversity and agricultural heritage. He stressed that the meeting would elevate quality standards through collaboration, foster safe and sustainable food systems, and position Assam as a key emerging spice hub. Governor Acharya emphasised that improved processing, value addition, and export initiatives are boosting farmers’ income and driving socio-economic development in the region.
Shri Acharya lauded the Government of India and the Spices Board for aligning domestic standards with global benchmarks and ensuring food safety. Secretary of the Spices Board, Smt. P. Hemalatha, highlighted spices such as black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves as integral to global trade, culture, and culinary heritage. She stressed the need for harmonised, science-based standards to guarantee consumer safety, fairness in trade, and global trust.
Economic and Cultural Significance
CEO of FSSAI, Shri Rajit Punhani, noted that the global spice industry, valued at USD 28.5 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 41.9 billion by 2033. He emphasised the importance of harmonised standards for consumer safety and equitable trade, reinforcing India’s role as a leader in international spice regulation.
Participation and Governance
The inaugural session saw participation from Dr. M.R. Sudharshan, Chairperson of CCSCH; Dr. A.B. Rema Shree, Director (Research), Spices Board; Shri B.N. Jha, Director, Spices Board; and Shri Dharmendra Das, Director, Spices Board. Senior scientists, FSSAI officials, and representatives from Codex member countries also attended, highlighting collaborative governance and knowledge-sharing in the spice sector.
Codex Committee’s Achievements and Agenda
Established in 2013 on India’s initiative, CCSCH functions under the Codex Alimentarius Commission of FAO and WHO, with India serving as the Secretariat. To date, Codex has finalised standards for 16 spices, including pepper, turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron. The current session aims to develop standards for large cardamom, sweet marjoram, cinnamon, and dried coriander seeds, promoting transparent, sustainable, and globally aligned trade practices.