XXXIV Annual Group Meeting of Spices Marks Significant Developments in Spices Research

1st November 2023, Bengaluru 

The thirty-fourth Annual Group Meeting of Spices took place at the College of Horticulture, UHS campus, Bengaluru, Karnataka from 30th October – 1st November 2023. The event highlighted the crucial role spices play in the Indian culinary landscape and the importance of collaborative research in this field. 

ICAR-AICRP on Spices is the largest spices research system in India, with a network of 40 centres, focusing on 17 spice crops. The group meeting will provide a platform for researchers to come together and share their findings, ideas, and experiences in the field of spice research.

Dr. N. K. Krishnakumar, Former Deputy Director General (HS), was the Guest of Honour. He emphasised the need to address the pesticide residue in spices.

Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, Assistant Director General (HS), ICAR, said that spices have the potential to double farmer’s income.

Dr. S.V Suresha, Vice Chancellor, UHS, Bagalkot, inaugurated the AGM on 30th October 2023. He emphasised enhancing the export potential of spices by adopting Good Management Practices.

Dr. S B Dandin, Former Vice Chancellor, UHS, Bagalkot, opined on crop diversification.

Dr. V A Parthasarathy, former Director, ICAR-IISR, emphasised genomic resources conservation of spices.

Dr. H P Maheshwarappa, Director of Research, UHS Bagalkot, proposed a vote of thanks.

The best AICRPS Centre award was conferred to SKN, College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan.

Shri. Ramakanth Ramachandra Hegde, a farmer, was honoured for his endeavour in conserving indigenous landraces and contribution to developing farmer variety 'Sigandini'.

A database on spice varieties -"Spice Var" was launched which gives detailed information on the significant characters of the spice varieties. About 15 technical bulletins in various regional languages and Annual Reports of the AICRPS were released during the inaugural session.

The plenary session of the group meeting was held on 1st November 2023. Dr. V. K. Pandey, Assistant Director General (HS), Dr. R. Dinesh, Director, ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode, and Dr. Prakash Patil, Project Coordinator, AICRP (Fruits) chaired the session.

Dr. D Prasath, Project Coordinator, AICRP on Spices highlighted the importance of new varieties and technologies in enhancing farmer’s income.

The solutions aim to address critical issues in the spice industry, with a particular focus on integrated cropping systems that emphasize soil health management, crop rotation, and the role of pollinators.

The group meeting of Spices identified four new spice varieties for cultivation. The recommended varieties are Gujarath Ajwain-3, Hisar Kalonji-12, IISR Amrit - Mango Ginger, and Kamakhya 1 – black pepper. Additionally, eight new spice technologies were unveiled, covering integrated pest and disease management for coriander, integrated management of cumin aphids, black pepper-based mixed cropping systems, biological control of soil-borne pathogens in black pepper, and intercropping of seed spices with vegetables.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode)