Government notifies 11 spice development agencies

NEW DELHI: The government has notified 11 spice development agencies in major spice growing states in the country, including Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Parliament was informed today.

The Spice Board has taken action in consultation with the respective states and other stakeholders for formulation of the agencies.

These agencies have the mandate to formulate programmmes for addressing issues related to production, quality, domestic marketing and export of spices in the region, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

Besides Andhra Pradesh (chilli, turmeric and pepper) and Tamil Nadu (turmeric, chilli, cardamom and curry leaf), other states where these agencies would be set up include Karnataka (pepper, chilli, ginger), Maharshtra (turmeric and chilli), Gujarat (cumin, fennel, coriander, ajwain and garlic) and Rajasthan (coriander and fenugreek).

Meanwhile, replying to a separate question, the minister said that the government is keeping a close watch on import of paper and paperboard.

In 2014-15, paper imports increased to 2.69 million tonnes from 2.57 million tonnes in 2013-14.

Replying to a separate question, she said that there is no specific agreement between India and Iran for preferential treatment to Indian investors.

"However, Iranian authorities have been expressing that Indian investors are encouraged to come and invest in Iran," she added.