Itanagar, Mar 14: Horticulture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Saturday emphasised the need to strengthen the spice value chain and promote sustainable cultivation practices to ensure long-term growth of the sector and better income for farmers.
Addressing farmers and stakeholders during the Large Cardamom Productivity Award distribution programme organised by Spices Board India in Itanagar, Wangsu highlighted the state government’s commitment to building a reliable and quality-driven ecosystem for spice production and marketing.
The event, organised by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, included the distribution of Large Cardamom Productivity Awards for the years 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26 along with a Buyer–Seller Meet at DK Convention Centre.
More than 250 spice growers, including members of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) from Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya, attended the programme. Around 35 spice exporters from different parts of the country also participated.
Congratulating the award-winning farmers, Wangsu praised their dedication and disciplined farming practices. He said the adoption of scientific orchard management has helped improve both productivity and quality of large cardamom in the region and expressed hope that their success would inspire other farmers to adopt improved cultivation practices.
Emphasising the importance of market connectivity, the minister said the Buyer-Seller Meet would strengthen direct linkages between growers and buyers, enabling transparent interaction and better price realisation for farmers. He encouraged buyers to collaborate closely with farmer groups and producer organisations to establish reliable procurement arrangements that ensure stable incomes for growers.
Highlighting the state government’s focus on strengthening the spice value chain, Wangsu said efforts are underway to develop a reliable and quality-driven ecosystem for spice production and marketing. He also urged farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations to maintain proper documentation, adopt simple digital tools and coordinate with field officers to enhance transparency and creditworthiness.
The minister further stressed the need to balance productivity with environmental sustainability, calling for the preservation of soil health, prudent water management and the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices in spice cultivation.
Large cardamom remains one of the most important high-value spice crops in the North Eastern region, providing a significant source of livelihood for many farming communities. Initiatives such as the productivity awards encourage farmers to adopt improved varieties, good agricultural practices and scientific cultivation methods.
The Buyer-Seller Meet also provided a platform for growers, traders, exporters and other stakeholders to interact, exchange ideas and explore new market opportunities, which is expected to strengthen market linkages and support the sustainable growth of the region’s spice sector.
During the programme, the chief guest distributed the Large Cardamom Productivity Awards to farmers in recognition of their excellence in cultivation. The event highlighted the continued efforts of the Spices Board India to promote sustainable spice cultivation, strengthen market linkages and improve farmers’ income while enhancing India’s position in the global spice trade.
Among those present at the programme were Spices Board Director (Development) Dharmendra Das, Deputy Director (Development), Guwahati, Dwijendra Mohan Barman, John Jo Varghese of the Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Tadong, State’s Agriculture Secretary Samuel Changkija, Horticulture Secretary Koj Rinya, Horticulture Director Tobom Bam, Director (Agriculture Marketing) Mark Boje, and Deputy Director (Development), Spices Board, Gangtok, Phurba Tshering Lepcha.