ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Spices (ICAR-AICRPS) is the largest spices research network in the country through which a nationwide collaborative and interdisciplinary research is being carried out, linking ICAR system with the State Agricultural Universities and central institutions. AICRPS was started in 1971 and presently functions in 38 centres (19 regular, 11 co-opting and 8 voluntary centres) spreading over 14 agro climatic zones in 25 states of the country. It coordinates the research activities on 17 spice crops like black pepper, large cardamom, small cardamom, ginger, turmeric, mango ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, ajwain, nigella, saffron and kalazeera. Climate resilient, abiotic and biotic stress tolerant spices varieties, seed coating technology, micro irrigation, fertigation and organic production technologies and good agriculture practices (GAP) developed for spices ensures an increment in farmer’s income. Crop improvement programmes utilizing the indigenous and exotic germplasm conserved are in progress for the last three decades and has resulted in the development of over 185 improved varieties of spices which are capable of doubling the farmer’s income. Also, ICAR- AICRPS has developed 186 crop wise technologies for varietal improvement, nutrient availability, micronutrient management, organic packages and plant health management in various spice crops. ICAR- AICRPS technologies have also percolated to the remote and tribal lands of Chintapalli in Andhra Pradesh, Pottangi in Odisha and Raigarh in Chhattisgarh providing employment opportunities, women empowerment and uplifting the economic status of farmers. ICAR-AICRPS works for the development of North Eastern region through its seven centers located in six NE states (Sikkim, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram) to develop farmer friendly and cost effective technologies on crops like black pepper, ginger, turmeric and large cardamom to enhance farmers income. AICRPS which coordinates spices research in the country has played a pivotal part in technological interventions for increasing spice production and productivity which contributes to the increased export of spices. But the country is slowly loosing its hold on spices export market. The united efforts of all the stake holders can bring back the past glory of Indian spices and it is essential to work together to achieve it.
