The recent incident of beetle-infested jeera (cumin seed) exports
from India has once again brought the quality issue of Indian spices exports to the fore.
In order to address the issue, the Spices Board, has issued a
circular requiring exporters to undergo stricter testing and quality check before shipping the consignment.
Tighter sampling norms
According to the Spice Board circular issued on Wednesday, the
export consignments would need to undergo several revised procedures in sampling with immediate effect. Henceforth, the sampling intimations shall be placed one day prior
to the proposed sampling date. Also, the certificate shall be issued by the Spices Board based on the undertaking on
the day of stuffing – the level where most quality lapses were seen happening.
Also, now the undertakings shall be submitted to the Board before
2 pm for processing and issuing the certificate. No stuffing would be permitted without the presence of
Customs/Central Excise officer. The Board has introduced random sampling at the Mundra Port
(Customs Area) by the Spices Board officials for confirmatory testing of the consignments.
The Board would also undertake surveillance/ inspection at the
stuffing area/Mundra port/Rajkot/Unjha during the months of April/May, the circular stated. Spices Board took serious note of the adulteration in shipments
and inferior quality of cumin from Gujarat.
Threat to exports
“Since such reported shipments will affect the image and
reputation of the country ass well as pose a threat to Indian cumin exports, these revised procedures are introduced with
immediate effect,” it said. Bhaskar Shah of Jabs International, one of the leading spice
exporters, said, “There are reports that most of the weak quality and artificial cumin is exported to South American
countries. Whereas our quote is $2,500 per tonne CIF, those who export inferior quality produce quote $1,900.
The inspection
system and its enforcement are not adequate. This is affecting the image of Indian spices exports.” However, with Syria being a troubled region, India’s cumin seed
exports are likely to touch 1 lakh tonnes by July.
