India is well known as a land of spices from times immemorial. No other country of the world grows as many kinds of spices as India. The country's production of different spices is estimated at 2 million tons valued at Rs. 35,000 million. India holds the first position in the world in terms of both area and production of spices in general. However, Indian contribution to global trade in spices is only about 20 % valued at Rs. 540.12 crores in 1993-94. This gives us a tremendous opportunity to immprove our exports.
India is the largest producer of turmeric with an annual production of 3.90 lakh tons from 1.23 lakh hecters(1989-90). The share of Orissa in the country is 20.41 % in terms of area and 7.79% in terms of production in turmeric(1989-90).Kandhamal occupies a unique position in the state in turmeric with 40 % share in area and production. A major portion of the production of turmeric in India is consumed in the country. There is considerable demand for good quality turmeric from U.S.A., Germany,U.K.,Japan,Singapur, and Middle East Countrys. The export of turmeric in 1993-94 was 23,250 tons valued at 52 crores. In the foreign markets, turmeric is valued basing on the Curcumin content (Curcumin gives colour to the turmeric).
The turmeric with high Curcumin content fetches high prices. As for example, the rate of turmeric with 5.5% and 5.0% Curcumin was Rs. 45.14 and Rs. 39.50 per Kg. respectively during Oct.' 94 in U.S.A.. This indicates that for each percentage increase in Curcumin, the rate increases by Rs. 11.28 per Kg.. The local varieties grown in Kandhamal district hardly contain 1.5 % of curcumin. But in the state, at High Attitude Research Station, Pottangi(Orissa University of Agriculture Technology) the turmeric varieties evolved contain more than 6 % of curcumin. Thus there is a tremendous scope for production of high grade turmeric in the district for export and internal consumption. High curcumin content turmeric varieties like Allepey of Keral and Lakdong of Meghalaya can be cultivated here for export.
Similarly, the share of Orissa as regards Ginger area is 16.59% and production is 25.17% (1989-90) of the country. In Kandhamal district, 1600 hacters are covered under Ginger with an annual production of 14.40 thousand tons of rhizomes. This constitute about 20% of the total area in the state . At present Ginger is mainly exported in dry form. Average export of Ginger from India is around 5000 MT, valued around Rs. 100 million per annum. Ginger is valued for its fiber content. The traditional varities grown in Kandhamal contains about 10% fibre . But the varities like Suprava which has been evolved in the state contains only 4.4% of fibre. Cochin varities of ginger can also be cultivated here hence, there is immense scope for cultivation of Ginger with less fibre content which can find place in export market as well as for internal consumption.
However, there are no processing facilities available in the district for enhancing the quality of Turmeric and Ginger. Lack of organised marketing facilities with up-to-date market intelligence prevents the producers from getting his due share and leads to exploitation by privet traders and intermediaries. The improved varieties and technology packages for cultivation as well as processing are available in the scientific and research institutes with in the state which can be successfully dovetailed to the advantage of the cultivators.
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