Spice production has jumped in India, says PM Narendra Modi

BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that due to the efforts of the government, both the production and export of spices from India has increased considerably. “Spice production in India has increased by more than 2.5 million tons, so the export has also increased from about Rs 15,000 crore to about Rs 19,000 crore.”

He said that apart from horticulture, South India also has a large share in the production of pulses, oil and coarse grains, he said, speaking after distributing Krishi Karman awards at Tumakuru, 70 km from here..

The Prime Minister said, “Seed hubs have been built to promote pulses production in India, of which more than 30 centers are located in Karnataka, Andhra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana itself.”


Referring to the Government’s efforts on Fisheries sector, Modi said the government is working at three levels to strengthen the sector.

First - Encouraging fisheries in villages through financial assistance to fishermen. Second- Modernizing the fishing boats under the Blue Revolution Scheme. And third - Constructing modern infrastructure related to fish trade and business.

The PM said, “fishermen have been linked to the Kisan Credit Card facility. New fishing harbors are being built in large rivers and in the sea for the convenience of fish farmers. A special fund of Rs 7.50 thousand crore has also been created for modern infrastructure. Fishermen's boats are being modernized for deep sea fishing and navigation devices are being installed in boats for the protection of fishermen with the help of ISRO.”

Keeping in view the nutritional security of the country, PM requested to create a new category in the Krishi Karman Award, for Nutri Cereals, Horticulture and Organic Agriculture. This will give impetus to people and states doing better work in these areas, he added.