Naga chillies, turmeric to spice up export mart

NEW DELHI: The government will soon brand and hardsell Naga chillies and turmeric in the domestic and international markets. ITC, the government of Nagaland and the Spices Board have entered into a tripartite agreement for developing export market and expanding domestic market for the identified spices.

As per the agreement, ITC, in consultation with the state government, will identify group of farmers for developing and extending organic cultivation of turmeric and chillies in Nagaland. One village has already been identified for the purpose. ITC will provide the identified farmers or NGOs working with the farmers the required planting material, training in good agricultural practices (GAP) and in post-harvest management.

ITC chairman YC Deveshwar said that ITC would market the produce domestically under its popular brand Aashirwad. In the international market, especially the US and the EU, it would sell the spices both using the brand name as well as without brand.They will be marketed as organic spices through appropriate certification, minister of state for commerce Jairam Ramesh said.

The Spices Board will give about Rs 5 crore of subsidy for planting material, agricultural inputs and post-harvest facilities for the project. The duration of the pilot project is 36 months and would be reviewed for renewal for a further period.