The need for closer collaboration among farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), industry, regulators and buyers has emerged as a key priority for building a safer, more sustainable and remunerative spice value chain, according to participants at the fifth National Spice Conference 2026.

The two-day conference, organised by the World Spice Organisation (WSO), the not-for-profit technical partner of the All-India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), concluded in Jaipur with a focus on farmer incomes, food safety, responsible sourcing, sustainability, innovation and market access. The conference was held under the theme ‘Empowering Farmers, Protecting Consumers’.

Ramkumar Menon, Chairman, WSO, said the conference brought together FPOs, processors, retail brands, traders, exporters, technology companies and service providers to deliberate on challenges across the spice value chain, with particular emphasis on farmer empowerment, food safety and consumer protection.

A panel discussion involving spice farmers from different parts of the country examined the challenges faced by growers of chilli, cumin, coriander, turmeric and pepper amid rainfall deficits and the impact of El Niño conditions. The discussion also focused on the implications of changing weather patterns on crop production.

The conference stressed the need for greater coordination among stakeholders to address challenges arising from climate change, declining soil fertility and the growing incidence of pests and diseases.

Manoj Kumar Menon, CEO, International Centre for Competence in Organic Agriculture, Bengaluru, said India’s organic sector had moved beyond being a niche segment. Organic exports, he said, had grown from ₹67 crore in 2005 to more than ₹5,400 crore in 2025, indicating significant potential for further expansion.

However, he said, evolving global markets and regulatory requirements made it critical to strengthen certification systems, maintain credibility and ensure compliance to sustain the sector’s growth.

The conference also discussed emerging solutions in digital traceability, post-harvest infrastructure, farm-level technologies, testing and processing, warehousing and financing.

Published on September 22, 2026