National Spice Conference 2026 – Overview

The World Spice Organisation (WSO), technical partner of the All‑India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), concluded its 5th National Spice Conference (NSC) 2026 at the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre on September 19‑20, 2026. The event, themed “Empowering Farmers, Protecting Consumers,” gathered farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), processors, exporters, regulators, researchers, technology providers and other stakeholders across the spice value chain.

Core Themes and Objectives

The two‑day programme centred on strengthening farmer incomes, enhancing food safety, promoting responsible sourcing, sustainability, innovation and expanding market access. Sessions addressed challenges from farm‑level practices to consumer protection, with a particular emphasis on linking production standards to consumer trust.

Key Sessions and Highlights

  • Changing Regulations in Organic Farming & Certifications – examined evolving certification requirements and their impact on spice producers.
  • Role of FPOs in Consumer Protection and Food Safety – highlighted how farmer organisations can improve quality and compliance at the farm level.
  • Buyers’ Requirements – presented by Mr. Ganapathy K D, Business Committee Chairman, NSC 2026, outlining market expectations for producers and FPOs.
  • Buyer‑Seller Meet – facilitated direct interactions between producers and buyers, creating concrete market linkage opportunities.

Speaker Remarks

  • Ramkumar Menon, Chairman, World Spice Organisation, stated that the conference united stakeholders around two interconnected priorities: enabling farmers to capture greater value and ensuring consumers can trust the spices they use. He called for continued collaboration and actionable steps across the value chain.
  • Manoj Kumar Menon, CEO, ICCOA, noted that India’s organic spice sector grew from INR 67 crore in 2005 to over INR 5,400 crore in 2025, underscoring the need for robust certification, credibility and compliance to sustain growth.

Exhibition and Innovation Focus

The exhibition showcased technologies and indigenous agri‑products, with emerging solutions highlighted in digital traceability, post‑harvest infrastructure, farm‑level technologies, testing and processing, warehousing, and financing.

Historical Context and Participation Trends

Launched in 2022, the NSC has become the premier Indian spice industry event. Delegate numbers have risen year‑on‑year: 293 in 2022, 345 in 2023, 370 in 2024 and 485 in 2025. More than 50 % of participants in earlier editions were representatives of FPOs, reflecting the conference’s focus on market access and farmer growth.

WSO Background and Partnerships

Established in 2011, WSO aims to achieve food safety and sustainability in the spice sector. It has executed projects on sustainability, biodiversity and food safety in collaboration with the Spices Board, Indian Institute of Spice Research (IISR), Germany’s GIZ and the Netherlands’ IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative.

Conclusion

The NSC 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen collaboration across the spice ecosystem, linking farm‑level practices with consumer safety, quality standards and evolving market requirements. Stakeholders were urged to maintain engagement and develop practical solutions for a safer, more sustainable and rewarding spice value chain.