Union Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the World Spice Congress held in Navi Mumbai from September 15 to 17, 2023, where he highlighted the unifying power of spices in India’s diverse culture. He stressed the importance of restoring Indian spices’ global prominence and making India a leader in the spice industry once more.
During the event, Minister Goyal presented the Spices Export Excellence Awards for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. In his address, he underlined the need for expanding the spice industry by enhancing the value of spice exports. Goyal set an ambitious target of achieving $10 billion in spice exports by 2030, compared to the current $4 billion. To achieve this goal, he called for concerted efforts to tap into new markets through value addition and expanding existing ones.
Minister Goyal also suggested leveraging the 35 million people of Indian origin living worldwide as brand ambassadors to promote spice consumption across the globe. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity within the spice industry and supporting farmers to ensure ample production.
Addressing international delegates at the event, Minister Goyal encouraged them to enjoy Indian hospitality and explore potential business collaborations. He congratulated the award winners and urged them to maintain their high standards, further elevating India’s recognition on the global stage.
Minister Goyal commended the Spices Board for organizing the World Spice Congress after a seven-year hiatus and proposed hosting a world-class exposition, symposium, and conference for the spice industry in Delhi in 2024. He encouraged the Board to invite industry stakeholders to showcase India’s capabilities on a global scale.
