Production and export performances of major seed spices in India during pre and post-WTO period

Abstract

Present study has examined the growth and instability in area, production, productivity and export of major seed spices namely cumin, coriander and fenugreek, along with total spices from 1985 to 2015. Whole period was divided into three equal ten years sub periods. During overall period all the seed spices made significant positive and higher growth than total spices, consequently per cent share of seed spices in spice economy of India has increased over the period. As result of increase in area coupled with yield improvement made faster growth in production. Cumin and fenugreek registered high growth in period 1 and coriander made faster growth in period 3. Seed spices production sown slower growth in period 2 than period 1 and 3. Export of seed spices from India made higher growth than total spices, indicated their increasing acceptance in world market. Export basket has diversified over the period with increasing share of value added products like oils & oleoresins and curry powder. Spice production sown higher instability than its area and yield, has decreased over the period. India has emerged as regular supplier to world spice market indicated by decreasing instability in export over the study period. There is more scope for seed spices to harvest in domestic and world market, is needed to tap in years to come.