Spices

 Production in India – 

1. India’s Global Rank in Spices

India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices in the world.

Produces ~75 out of 109 spices listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Contributes over 48% of global spice production.

2. Top Spices Produced in India

Rank Spice Major Producing States

1. Chilli  : Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka

2. Turmeric: Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu

3. Garlic: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat

4. Ginger: Kerala, Meghalaya, Karnataka

5. Coriander: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat

6. Cumin (Jeera): Gujarat, Rajasthan

7. Fennel (Saunf): Gujarat, Rajasthan

8. Cardamom: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu

9. Black Pepper: Kerala, Karnataka

10. Fenugreek: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

3. Top Spices Producing States (Overall)

Rank State Key Spices Produced

1. Rajasthan :Cumin, Coriander, Fenugreek

2. Andhra Pradesh :Chilli, Turmeric, Tamarind

3. Telangana: Chilli, Turmeric, Ginger

4. Gujarat: Cumin, Fennel, Garlic

5. Madhya Pradesh: Coriander, Garlic, Fenugreek

6. Kerala: Cardamom, Black Pepper, Nutmeg

7. Tamil Nadu: Turmeric, Cardamom, Clove

4. Climate & Growing Conditions

Temperature: Varies by crop, but most spices thrive between 20°C – 35°C.

Rainfall:

Dry spices (like cumin, coriander): 400–600 mm

Tropical spices (like ginger, turmeric): 1000–1500 mm

Soil:

Well-drained loamy to sandy loam soils

pH: 6.0 – 7.5

5. Season of Cultivation

• Spice Season
• Chilli Kharif & Rabi
• Turmeric Kharif
• Garlic Rabi
• Ginger Kharif
• Cumin Rabi
• Coriander Rabi
• Cardamom Perennial
• Pepper Perennial

6. Economic Importance of Spices

Backbone of India’s spice export market.

India exports to over 160 countries (USA, China, UAE, Malaysia, UK).

Spices are used in:

• Culinary (masalas, pickles, food processing)
• Medicines & Ayurveda
• Cosmetics and fragrances
• Preservatives and health products

7. Attractive & Interesting Facts

India is called the “Land of Spices“.

Spices Board of India (under Ministry of Commerce) regulates spice trade and quality.

Organic spice farming is gaining momentum for global exports.

India exported over ₹30,000 crores worth of spices in 2023–24.

Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic have strong immunity-boosting and antioxidant properties.