India Charts a Cleaner, Greener Future for Spices

The World Spice Organisation (WSO) has successfully wrapped up the fourth edition of the National Spice Conference 2025 in Guntur, bringing together a wide cross-section of the spice ecosystem. Held at ITC Welcom on November 14 and 15, the gathering served as a meaningful space for leaders from government agencies, research bodies, industry, agri-innovation firms and Farmer Producer Organisations to reflect on how India can strengthen its global leadership in spices while embracing sustainability and science-led agriculture.

This year’s theme, Spice Route Ahead – Safe, Sustainable and Scalable, set the tone for two days of conversations that were both grounded in the realities of the farm and ambitious about India’s future in global markets.

Representatives from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the Ministry of Agriculture, scientific panels and leading spice companies underscored the need for stronger compliance systems, better traceability and a deeper commitment to sustainable farming. Many speakers noted that global expectations around food safety are rising rapidly, and India’s competitiveness will depend on the sector’s ability to adopt robust practices across the value chain.

WSO Chairman Mr. Ramkumar Menon highlighted the growing momentum: “The spice sector has recognized the importance of sustainability, and the WSO is contributing through programs like the National Sustainable Spice Program, which now covers more than twenty-five thousand farmers across India.”

Regulators and scientists added urgency to the discussions. Dr. Paresh Shah of FSSAI’s Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues stressed the need for safer, traceable and compliant spice production. Leaders from the Spices Board and NABARD outlined national efforts to support farmers through better cultivation techniques, productivity enhancement and adaptable quality frameworks.

Industry voices provided a practical lens. Executives from Everest Spices, AB Mauri, IDH India, DASD and Nedspice shared insights on technology adoption, evolving market expectations and the pressing need for science-based agricultural practices that not only meet regulatory benchmarks but also enhance farmer incomes.

Day one featured technical sessions on food safety, sustainable supply chains and innovations in processing. Farmer groups shared on-ground experiences, offering a valuable view of challenges and opportunities in real time.

Day two shifted to market linkages, new trends in spice crops and pathways to balance growth with responsibility. A dedicated interface between producers, processors and buyers helped FPOs understand emerging opportunities in both domestic and export markets.

The conference also put a spotlight on the National Sustainable Spice Program, WSO’s flagship initiative promoting sustainable cultivation models. FPOs associated with the programme shared stories of improved incomes and stronger market access through better agricultural practices.

With the conclusion of NSC 2025, the message from Guntur was clear: India’s spice journey must blend science, sustainability and scale. And the sector is ready to take that step together.