Precision production technologies in spices and development of value chain using digital technology

Spices are low volume and high value commodities used in food, natural food colours, flavour, aroma, perfumery, preservative, stimulant. Now their role has expanded further as medicine, in pharma, functional foods, high value phytochemicals, cosmoceuticals, etc. With diverse agro-ecological conditions India is the home of a wide range of spice crops and is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices in the world. Indian spices are the most sought after due to their exquisite aroma, texture, taste and medicinal value. Due to high value output per unit area spice commodities play a vital role in the export sector of agricultural goods. The potential of technology and innovation ecosystems in spice value chain development and the trends in production and trade of spices in transforming new ideas into realty for profitability and sustainable viability of spice economy. To ensure global food security, technology interventions in the agricultural industry are becoming increasingly prominent and precise. The present agricultural revolution is being driven by technology and data analytics, and it appears to hold enormous potential for enhanced productivity, tackling climate change as well as a management of value chains. India has taken significant steps to embrace digital advancements in agriculture, aiming to revolutionize the farming landscape. Use of digital technology in developing market intelligence and traceability systems need to be leveraged to gain critical awareness and control of spice markets. Creating an active flow of information and resources from farm to fork in block chain can help to manage bottle necks and overcome the challenges posed in global spice trade.