Empowering the Spice Industry: Chennai Hosts Key Food Safety & Market Linkage Programme
Chennai, 26th March 2025: Spices Board and the National Turmeric Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, organized a Food Safety Training and Market Linkage Programme on turmeric in Chennai. Ms. N. Bhavani Sri, IAS, Secretary, National Turmeric Board, inaugurated the event and Dr. A. B. Rema Shree, Director, Spices Board, delivered the introductory remarks. The event featured key address by Dr. K. A. Arul Anand, Joint Director, FSSAI Chennai. The event focused on enhancing food safety standards, promoting value addition, and strengthening market linkages for turmeric farmers, traders, and exporters.
The technical sessions focused on national standards and food safety regulations, emphasizing the need for stringent quality control measures to meet both domestic and international standards. Experts highlighted the importance of high-yielding turmeric varieties and best agricultural practices to enhance productivity and sustainability. Discussions also explored value addition and export opportunities, underscoring the potential for Indian turmeric in global markets. Organic production, traceability, and Geographical Indication (GI) certification were identified as crucial factors in strengthening India’s position in the turmeric trade. Addressing supply chain challenges and improving market linkages remained a central theme, with efforts directed toward creating better connections between farmers, traders, and exporters to boost market accessibility and economic growth in the sector.
“There is immense potential for increasing the export of turmeric and value added turmeric products because of its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical benefits. We have been witnessing an increased demand for turmeric and turmeric products from the western countries also. Of the 4.46 bn USD worth spice exports in 2023-24, turmeric export was to the tune of 226.5 million USD ” said Dr A.B. Rema Shree, Director, Spices Board.
Experts from the Spices Board, FSSAI, CFTRI, TNAU, and Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra led discussions, ensuring valuable insights for turmeric growers, exporters, and industry professionals. The programme conducted with a dedicated market linkage session, facilitating direct interactions between stakeholders.
The programme concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to support turmeric farmers and expand market access for Indian spices. This initiative is expected to enhance India’s position in the global turmeric trade by ensuring compliance with international food safety standards, promoting quality exports, and fostering collaboration between key industry stakeholders.