India is a land of spices where many varieties are grown in the different regions of the country. The people of the country are fond of spicy food so the spices are the most important ingredient in any Indian dish. The nation is not just the big producer and consumer of spices but also a major player in international market, exporting the surplus and importing the deficit.
Spices play an important role in enhancing the flavor and taste of the processed foods. They are also used in the medicines because of their carminative, simulative and digestive properties. India produces almost all the known spices and is the largest exporter of this commodity. Ground spices are extensively used in all types of curried dishes in India and abroad. Although spices are traded chiefly in an unprocessed form, a small yet significant quantity enters international trade as spice powders. Curry powder is the foremost of those blends or mixes and sometimes consists of 20 or more spices designed to add the characteristic flavor of an Indian curry, which is appreciated all over the world. Apart from the overseas market, processed curry powder is becoming popular in the domestic market also. Hence the demand for unadulterated spices and curry powder in attractive handy packaging is fast emerging.
FOOD INDUSTRY IN INDIA
In India, agricultural and dairy sector have achieved remarkable successes over the last three and half decades. Besides being one of the world’s largest producers of food grains. India ranks second in the world in the production of fruits and vegetables and first in milk production providing much needed foods security to the nation.
India is one of the world’s major food producers but accounts for less than 1.5%of international food trade. The value of the Indian food industry has increased from 3.09 trillion in 1993-94 to Rs.3.99 trillion in 2000-01.The segment with largest growth potential have been identified as dairy, fruits and vegetables and