Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Sciences) at ICAR, New Delhi has emphasised the need for value addition and certification in the spices trade.

These factors are essential for enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of Indian spices, he said inaugurating the national symposium on Spices and Aromatic Crops (SYMSAC XI) ICAR – Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode.

Singh stressed the importance of innovation and technology adoption in driving the growth of the spice industry.

New challenges

The event which runs until January 9 is being organized by the Indian Society for Spices in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), IISR, Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, National Research Centre on Seed Spices, and the Spices Board.

R. Dinesh, IISR Director underscored the importance of addressing new challenges in the spice industry to compete with international market players.

SYMSAC XI focuses on the theme “Strategies for Smart Production, Product Diversification, and Utilization” and hosts over 200 participants, including scientists, researchers, students, farmers, and industry leaders.

A smart farming technology exhibition has also been set up, showcasing the latest advancements in farming technologies. A Farmer-Scientist-FPO-Industry interface is also scheduled for the final day of the event, which provides a platform for direct dialogue between farmers, scientists, and industry professionals.

e.o.m.