The Spice Development Agency formed in Erode by the Union Commerce Ministry to promote turmeric processing and export has started functioning. A Deputy Director and other staff have been posted.
The Erode SDA is among 10 such agencies formed in major spice-growing States and regions under the control of the Spices Board.
The SDA covering the entire State will also promote processing and export of chilli, pepper, small cardamom, curry leaf, tamarind, herbal spices, clove, nutmeg and coriander.
Headed by the Chief Secretary, the SDA consist of members representing the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, State Government, Ministry of Agriculture, Spices Board, ICAR and other related Central and State organisations besides stake-holders of the industry: growers, traders and exporters.
Farmers in Erode, considered the country’s turmeric capital, expect better returns for the product through creation of appropriate infrastructure for processing, packing, warehousing, research, and establishment of quality evaluation laboratory.
According to officials, the Agency will identify the issues and formulate programmes relating to production, quality improvement, promotion, domestic marketing and export of spices.
Training programmes
The programmes will be implemented by the Regional Office of the Board attached to the SDAs in coordination with the State Government.
Training programmes on quality awareness would involve farmers, producers and traders, S. Nallakannu, Member Secretary, Spices Development Agency, Erode, said.
The SDA office currently functions out of a rented building on the Second Street of Gandhi Nagar Colony (via KMCH Hospital Road).
Welcoming the formation of Erode SDA, secretary of Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam C. Logusamy emphasised on formation of an exclusive Board for turmeric on the lines of Coconut Development Board in view of the quantum of production and extent of export.
Tapping export market necessitated natural fumigation, packaging with environment-friendly materials, and retention of aroma.
The training programmes by the SDA would sensitise farmers to focus on quality all through the stages of planting, cultivation, harvest, boiling, polishing, grading as per CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute) standards and packing, Mr. Logusamy said.
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