Exports from the most important source of foreign exchange for developing countries. All developing countries including, India strives to increase their exports as a means for mobilizing resource for their developing plans. Growth in Agro- exports not only brings in additional foreign exchange for the country but benefits a large number of people involved in the production, processing and export of such products.

From time immemorial India has been known as the land of spices. The Chinese, Arabs and the Europeans came to the shores of India lured by the spices grown here. Pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, chilies, and seed spices such as cumin, celery, coriander, fennel and fenugreek are the most important Indian spices. Spices exported from India exceeded Rs. 600 crores in 1994-95. The world consumption of spices is growing steadily every year. It is, therefore, important that we expand our exports of spices to increase or even retain our share in the world market. This can be achieved only through increased productivity and improved quality.

ITEM-WISE EXPORT OF SPICES FROM INDIA

Large Cardamom is grown as an important spice crop in the state of Sikkim and West Bengal spread over about 26,437 hectares of land. India produced about 4100 Metric perfumes, medicines etc. The demand for large cardamom in the export market is bound to increase steadily. However, the internal consumption of cardamom is also increasing day by day resulting exportable surplus.

CROP PRODUCTION 1997-98 (PRELIMINARY ESTIMATION)