SNAPSHOT :

1. INTRODUCTION

Maharashtra, a State spanning the west-central part of India is one of the fastest growing economies of the country, with its capital, Mumbai, established as the financial capital of the country. The State has a well-developed industrial and agriculture sector and is equally blessed with natural resources, exquisite natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, which add to its overall development. Presence of various Agro-climatic zones make the state congenial for cultivation of horticultural crops like spices, fruits, vegetables and commercial flowers. Maharashtra holds a significant position in the spice sector of India, with ample production of spices across the regions of Sangli (biggest APMC for Turmeric), Satara, Kolhapur, Hingoli, Nanded, Yavatmal, Wardha, Washim, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Buldhana, Gadachiroli, Parabhani, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Aurangabad, Jalna, Dule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Solapur etc. besides being a major processing and trade hub of spices.

2. SPICE SECTOR OF THE STATE

The major spices cultivated in the state are -Turmeric, Ginger, Chilli, Kokum, Garlic, Cinnamon, Coriander, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Fenugreek, Tamarind, etc. It is noteworthy, that the state has registered more than 20 Agriculture Geographical Indications (GI), which includes four spices -Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri Kokum (GI No 474), Waigaon Turmeric (GI No 471) and Bhiwapur Chilli (GI No 473), Solapur Pomegranate (GI No 502), Sangli Turmeric, Kholla Chilli, Rajapuri Turmeric. The total area under spices in Maharashtra is more than 1.25 lakh ha and production also more than 6.15 lakh Mt overall in which Turmeric ranks first in area and production followed by Ginger wherein Maharashtra itself stand second in Ginger cultivation and production in India

Sangli is world famous for the Turmeric APMC along with famous Sangli Turmeric (GI tag), Rajapuri Turmeric. Even there is yellow revolution in the recent years especially in Hingoli, Parbhani, Nanded, Akola, Washim, Yavatmal, Amravati these areas are producing a quality turmeric i.e organic and IPM turmeric which have optimum curcumin content for the trade in international market. After Sangli, Hingoli and Nanded district made a sudden stride in area production as well as new APCM at Basmat In Hingoli Dt wherein Hingoli (Hingoli, Basmath, Kalamnuri) recorded highest area and production i.e. 41358 ha with production near about 1.70 lakh MT followed by Nanded 25370ha, Yavatmal 13000ha (Umarkhed, Mahagaon taluk), Sangli 11260ha Parbhani 6500ha, Washim 2395ha etc. Even there are another 4 districts which are also in turmeric cultivation like Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Satara, Now Turmeric turns into gold, due to the growing influence of corona, the demand for turmeric has increased this year and this yellow gold is shining well. As far as Maharashtra concerned it is number one position in area production in India followed by Telangana.

Among the 75 spices cultivated in India, 10 spices such as such as Turmeric, Ginger, Chilli, Kokum Garlic, Cinnamon, Coriander, Black Pepper, Fenugreek, Tamarind, etc. are widely grown in Maharashtra.

As of May 2023, the State has a spice exporter base of 1085 firms, of which 85 are manufacturer exporters, with own facilities for processing and value addition of spices. The collective annual exports of spices and spice products during the year 2021-22 through the ports in Maharashtra is around 301241 MT valued at Rs. 2420 crores, thereby contributing to a share of around 21% in quantity and 26% in value of India’s total spice exports. The major spice products exported from the State are Cardamom small & large, chilli & chilli products, Curry powder, Turmeric, Tamarind, spices oils and oleoresins etc to countries such as South Africa, Australia, China, United Arab Emirates, USA, Iran, Canada, Iraq, New Leland etc.

3.AREA & PRODUCTION OF SPICES IN MAHARASHTRA (2022-23)

4. INTERVENTIONS OF SPICES BOARD

Spices Board has presence in Maharashtra at Mumbai Mahape along with Quality Evaluation and Upgradation Laboratory.

Board is also implementing various Development and Marketing schemes and Research and Laboratory activities, the details of which may please be seen from the Board's website indianspices.com