Government extends flagship SPICED programme until September 2026, supporting export growth, quality compliance, and value-added spice production as Indian cardamom shipments record strong gains.
India has extended its flagship Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED) scheme, providing continued support to the country’s spice industry while reinforcing its position in the global agricultural export market.
Originally approved for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period through FY 2025–26, the scheme will now remain operational until September 30, 2026, or until the successor programme under the 16th Finance Commission receives approval, whichever comes first.
The extension is expected to benefit farmers, processors, exporters, and international buyers by ensuring continuity in export promotion, quality assurance, and value-chain development.
Scheme Focuses on Productivity and Export Competitiveness
The SPICED Scheme aims to improve the cultivation and productivity of both Small Cardamom and Large Cardamom while strengthening India’s export ecosystem.
Key objectives include:
- Expanding cardamom cultivation.
- Improving post-harvest infrastructure.
- Promoting value-added spice exports.
- Supporting quality testing to meet international food safety standards.
- Conducting capacity-building and skill development programmes across the spice value chain.
- Strengthening India’s competitiveness in global spice markets.
The programme also encourages exporters to meet increasingly stringent international quality and biosecurity requirements, helping Indian spices maintain access to premium overseas markets.
Small Cardamom Exports Register Exceptional Growth
Export performance during FY 2025–26 highlights the growing global demand for Indian cardamom.
Small cardamom exports increased sharply from 6,728 tonnes in 2024–25 to 15,050 tonnes in 2025–26.
Export earnings more than doubled during the same period, rising from US$184.65 million to US$413.24 million.
Over the past five years, export value has increased by approximately 124%, reflecting sustained international demand and improved market opportunities for Indian exporters.
Gulf Countries Continue to Drive Demand
The Gulf region remains India’s largest export destination for cardamom.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE emerged as the largest importer of Indian Small Cardamom during FY 2025–26, importing 3,941 tonnes valued at US$117.68 million, compared with 2,328 tonnes worth US$69.51 million a year earlier.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia recorded the highest export value among all destinations. Imports rose from 1,458 tonnes valued at US$41.72 million in FY 2024–25 to 3,994 tonnes worth US$123.32 million in FY 2025–26.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh also witnessed rapid growth, with imports increasing from 439 tonnes valued at US$4.38 million to 2,840 tonnes worth US$48.22 million within a year.
United States
The United States remained a stable premium market, delivering strong value realization despite relatively consistent import volumes.
Large Cardamom Delivers Higher Value
Large Cardamom exports also demonstrated positive performance.
Export earnings increased from US$20.73 million in FY 2021–22 to US$35.52 million in FY 2025–26, while export volumes remained relatively stable.
This trend indicates stronger international pricing for premium-quality Large Cardamom and reflects increasing demand for higher-value spice products.
The UAE remained the dominant destination for Large Cardamom, importing more than half of India’s total exports by value. Saudi Arabia also recorded significant growth in imports over the five-year period.
Policy Extension Strengthens Long-Term Export Outlook
Industry observers believe the extension of the SPICED Scheme provides policy stability at an important time for India’s spice sector.
By supporting cultivation, strengthening quality assurance, promoting value-added processing, and expanding international market access, the programme is expected to improve India’s competitiveness in global spice trade.
The continued focus on certification, export promotion, infrastructure development, and compliance with international standards is likely to help exporters capitalize on growing demand across the Gulf, North America, Europe, and other emerging markets.
Outlook
With global demand for premium spices continuing to rise, India’s cardamom industry is well positioned for sustained growth. The extension of the SPICED Scheme provides additional time for exporters, processors, and farmers to strengthen supply chains, improve product quality, and expand into high-value international markets.
As export volumes and earnings continue to increase, the programme is expected to play a key role in supporting India’s long-term objective of enhancing its leadership in the global spice trade.
