The government has set a target of achieving a turnover of $3 billion from spices export by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17).

"The Spices Board has set the target of achieving a turnover of $3 billion by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan," Spices Board Director (Marketing) M R Sudharshan said at an event here today.

Speaking at a discussion, organised by industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), on enhancing export of Indian spices, he added that presently the turnover from spices export is about $1.5 billion annually.

India exports 3.2 million tonnes of various spices, which constitutes almost 50 per cent of the global trade.

The country had exported 5,25,750 tonnes of spices and spice products valued at Rs 6,840.71 crore ($1,502.85 million) in the 2010-11 fiscal.

"The demand for spices is ever increasing due to rising consumption and we should expand our export basket by introducing more value added products," Sudharshan said.

Sharing similar views, National Horticulture Mission Director Sanjeev Chopra said that our processors and exports should inculcate global food safety standards to meet the increasing competition.

Chopra, who is a Joint Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry, added that the government has started programmes to boost spices production, processing and exports.

"Government has introduced the Public Private Partnership model to strengthen backward integration to increase post harvest management and processing facilities," he noted.

Programme has also been launched to create farmer produce groups, groups of marginal farmers, so that they can trade directly with companies and increase the value of their produce and ultimately their profits, he added.

During the discussion stress was also laid on tackling the issue of tariff and non-tariff barriers.