WTO, export potential and standards for export of cumin seed with special reference to Gujarat state Kumar Vinod NABARD, Ahmedabad Online published on 23 October, 2017. Abstract India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, with a 48 per cent share by volume and 43 per cent share by value, in the world market. Gujarat is second leading spices producing state after Andhra Pradesh during 2012–13. The Gujarat share was 15.36 per cent in total production of spices in the country during 2012–13. Cumin was one of the major crops in India with a share of 19.31 per cent in total area and 6.86 per cent in total production during 2012–13. Gujarat and Rajasthan are the two major cumin producing states in the country accounting together for more than 99 per cent of the production. The share of Gujarat in area and production of cumin was 62.95 per cent and 71.84 per cent, respectively during 2012–13. The major cumin growing districts in Gujarat are Surendranagar, Banaskantha, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar and Patan. These six districts together cover about 72 per cent of area and 77 per cent of production in the State and have good potential for export. In this paper, attempt is made to study the export potential over a period and standards for export of cumin seed. The share of cumin seed in total spices export during 2012–13 was 9.52 per cent. India contributes about 77 per cent of world cumin production and it also dominates global trade accounting for 49 per cent. The export of cumin from India during 2003–04 to 2012–13, both in quantity and value terms increased at the compounded annual growth rate of 24.38 per cent and 34.91 per cent, respectively. Vietnam, USA, UAE, Egypt, Spain, Nepal, Brazil, UK, Nepal, Pakisthan and Malaysia are the major export markets for India's cumin. These 11 countries, together, accounted for 69 per cent of cumin export from India during 2012–13. India exported to Vietnam 13 per cent followed by USA (11%), UAE (10%), Egypt (6%), Nepal (5%), Spain (5%) of total export of cumin. India's harvest enters the global market (March and April) before Syria, Turkey and Iran (July). Thus, the Indian cumin holds a major advantage in the international markets. As the demand for organic seed spices is growing, there is need to give awareness for organic production of spices seed in general and cumin seed in particular by giving scientific information on suitable production technology, integrated pest management and specific varieties for organic production. The efficiency at production level needs to be raised in order to make the product price competitive. The cumin producers and exporters need to be educated and trained to maintain the quality standard of the products. The major challenges in cumin trade are the need to meet international standards on food safety and food security by resolving the problem of pesticide residues, presence of aflatoxin and illegal dyes. There is an urgent need to address the problem of dithiocarbonate residue in cumin seed. Contract farming with buyback arrangement with exporters, as a tested model of operation, should be encouraged. The State government may set up Spices Park for cumin, fennel, fenugreek and coriander in Unjha in Mehsana district. It will not only have a positive impact on export of spice and spice products from Gujarat but also help in improving the quality of spices, more value added products, eliminate intermediaries at different level of trading activity and improve the traceability of produce. Top |