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.
