Assam to partner with Spices Board India for business opportunities | Guwahati News

Guwahati: Assam plans to partner with Spices Board India to turn its spice production into higher-value business opportunities.The state govt is preparing a long-term institutional partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), focusing on processing, value addition and better market realisation for farmers.The proposal was discussed during a meeting with Spices Board India secretary MS Manivannan, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said.Assam has more than 1.08 lakh hectares under spice cultivation, producing over 4.06 lakh metric tonnes in 2024-25. Ginger, turmeric, chilli, black pepper, garlic and coriander are among the major spices grown in the state.Under the proposed partnership, the govt plans to formulate region-specific strategies for selected spices by identifying suitable areas and developing focused production clusters. The approach is expected to improve productivity and quality while creating economies of scale in processing and marketing, Kota said.The cultivation of large cardamom in suitable parts of Assam was also discussed, taking into account the experience of other northeastern states in its production and post-harvest management.“The proposed MoU is expected to provide a sustained framework for cooperation between the state government and the Spices Board in areas including technical support, identification of suitable crops and regions, capacity building, post-harvest management, processing, value addition and market development,” Kota said.The initiative aims to help Assam move from raw-spice production to integrated value chains, creating opportunities for diversification, entrepreneurship, private investment and local enterprises in processing and allied activities.