Development of Spices in India: Reminiscences and Prospects

Organized cultivation and development of spices in India dates back to 1951 by setting up a high-level Spices Enquiry Committee by the Planning Commission in view of the significant role spices play among agricultural commodities produced in the country. The committee in their report submitted in October 1953 stressed the need for better planning, research, and coordinated efforts in the proper development of these crops. The Government of India took over development and marketing functions handled by the Committee by setting up a Regional Office of the Ministry and subsequently created the present Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD) as a subordinate office under the Ministry of Agriculture with effect from 1 April 1966 at Calicut (Kozhikode) in Kerala, for paying adequate attention in different aspects of crop development. In this chapter spices development activities during various plan periods are explained, and the outcome from the various schemes are also dealt with.