Vol. 11, Issue 10 (2022)

Author(s):
Rohlupuii Ralte and Bernice Ekhe

Abstract:
Spices are high value and export-oriented commodity crops, which play an important role in agricultural economy of the country. India is the principal source for supply of spices in the global market. India is the largest exporter of spice and spice products. During the year 2020-21, the country exhibited an upward trend and exported spices worth US $4.18 which was a 34% increase from that of 2019-20. The North Eastern Hill Region (hereafter; NEHR) comprising of states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura has tremendous potential for production of spice crops. The climatic condition of the region is highly suitable for cultivation of a large number of spices such as ginger, turmeric, chilli, bay leaf, large cardamom, coriander, and garlic. Though recently introduced, the region has a potential for commercial cultivation of black pepper, cumin, vanilla and saffron. The NEHR are by default organic in nature and is home to some endemic spice crops like black turmeric, Lakadong turmeric, King Chilli, Bird’s eye chilli, Assam lemon, etc., which has high market demand for their unique features. Large scale production and commercialization of spices from the region could improve the livelihood of the farmers and economic growth of the country. The paper aims to review the major spices of NEHR of India.