The Hindu Business Line : Call to rejuvenate farm research institutions

LOW productivity is a major issue for our country reputed to be the largest producer, consumer and exporter of a variety of spices. Research institutions engaged in promotion of spices, herbs and medicinal plants must become accountable, according to Mr. R. S. Pandey, Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Agriculture.

He was addressing industry and trade representatives at the National Conference on Spices and Herbs organised by Indian Agribusiness Systems in the capital on Sunday.

Lamenting the lack of dynamism in the spices sector, Mr Pandey said research institutions engaged in promotion of spices, herbs and medicinal plants must become more accountable. In recent years, some countries such as China, Vietnam and Madagascar have begun to overtake India, which was once famous for its spices.

Referring to problems such as aflatoxin and pesticide residue on spices exports, the official admitted that quality issues were posing a big challenge — often as non-tariff barrier in the export market — and that the Government should provide adequate infrastructure for testing.

According to Mr R.B.S. Rawat, Chief Executive Officer of National Medicinal Plant Board, spices and herbs have tremendous medicinal value and can play a critical role in rural healthcare. Presentations were made on select topics such as price risk management through futures exchanges by the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange, processing and packaging technology for spices and herbs, quality issues and promotional strategies.

Justifying the decision to hold the meeting in New Delhi, Mr Sunil Khairnar, representing the organisers, told Business Line that although southern and western regions of the country produced spices, North was becoming important from the consumption point of view.

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