The pivotal role of Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) in conserving and promoting India’s vast spice biodiversity was underscored by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at the 8th Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) Session in Guwahati on October 13.

In his inaugural address, Acharya reaffirmed India’s leading role in shaping global food standards and trade practices.

He commended India’s proactive initiatives such as the promotion of turmeric as a superfood, and the approval of over 200 spices for export, reflecting the country’s growing strength in the global spice sector.

Highlighting the potential of Assam and the North-Eastern region as emerging spice hubs, the Governor said that enhanced processing facilities, value addition, and export promotion measures were significantly improving farmers’ income and contributing to the region’s social and economic development.

Delivering the special address, Rajit Punhani, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), underlined the economic and cultural significance of spices, noting that the global spice industry, valued at USD 28.5 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 41.9 billion by 2033.

Around 140 delegates from 40 nations participated in the session hosted by the Government of India, with the Spices Board of India serving as the Secretariat under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) — a joint intergovernmental body of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) that promotes food safety, quality, and fair practices in international trade.