Spices Board and Government of Uttarakhand partner to promote spices 

The focus of the partnership is to identify suitable regions for expanding large cardamom cultivation and other spices in Uttarakhand

The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, represented by Dr A B Remashree, Director, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttarakhand, to promote sustainable agricultural practices in the state. The agreement was signed in the presence of Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, during an Industry Interaction Meet held in Dehradun.

The focus of the partnership is to identify suitable regions for expanding large cardamom cultivation and other spices in Uttarakhand. This pilot project aims to strengthen the green economy by improving post-harvest practices, enhancing product quality, creating market linkages, and building the capacity of farmers. Additionally, the initiative will support the formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

Another MoU was signed between the Spices Board and House of Himalayas Ltd., a brand launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to promote indigenous spices from the region. This collaboration seeks to elevate the visibility of Uttarakhand’s spices under the “House of Himalayas” brand while advancing sustainable development and community empowerment. The partnership will focus on building the brand and exploring economic opportunities for local farmers.

Efforts to expand large cardamom cultivation in the northern Himalayan region are already underway as part of the Spices Board’s flagship program, SPICED. The initiative aims to train farmers in advanced agricultural techniques, post-harvest handling, value addition, and primary processing of spices. The Spices Board also plays a crucial role in establishing market connections between local farmers and exporters, ensuring that their produce reaches both national and international markets.