Blockchain-Powered Traceability Interface for Indian Spices
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Spices Board and UNDP
India's Accelerator Lab Sign MoU to Develop
[MoC&I
Press Release/05.04.2021]
Spices Board India under Ministry of Commerce and Industry
and UNDP India’s Accelerator Lab on 5 April 2021 signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU), with the aim to build a blockchain
based traceability interface for Indian spices to enhance transparency in supply
chain and trade.
Blockchain is a decentralized process of recording transactions on an
open and shared electronic ledger. This allows for ease and transparency in data
management across a complex network, including, farmers, brokers, distributors,
processors, retailers, regulators, and consumers, thus simplifying the supply chain.
It will allow farmers just as all other members of the supply chain to access the
information which further makes the entire supply chain more efficient and equitable.
UNDP and Spices Board India are working towards integrating
the Blockchain Traceability Interface with the e-Spice
Bazaar portal developed by Spices Board India for connecting spices farmers with
markets. Design of the Blockchain interface is expected
to be completed by May’21. The project will be piloted with over 3,000 farmers engaged
in chilli and turmeric farming in select Districts of
Andhra Pradesh.
On this joint initiative, D. Sathiyan,
Secretary, Spices Board India said that India is the largest exporter, producer
and consumer of spices in the world. India’s
spices export crossed a milestone of 3 Bn USD during 2019-20
and our estimates indicate that we would cross that milestone and achieve a new
high during the 2020-21. Spices Board, the agency responsible for export promotion
of Indian spices in the world markets, is happy about these achievements and would
like to facilitate further growth in the sector.
D. Sathiyan said that the changing
order in the global spices and food sector has increased the relevance of infrastructure
development for value addition, certification for quality and food safety, implementation
of traceability systems, promotion of spices highlighting the immunity boosting
properties, etc., and the Board has been working tirelessly to provide support to
the stakeholders of the sector and to strengthen the supply chain so as to position
India as the premier destination for clean and safe spices to the world.
This UNDP-Spices Board joint initiative to build a blockchain-powered traceability interface for Indian spices
is another significant milestone in our journey to make the spices value chain efficient,
transparent and equitable for all stakeholders. This traceability interface is expected
to enhance consumer confidence and facilitate sourcing of spices for exports as
well as for local value addition and use.
Upon successful demonstration, the Board would like to expand the reach of
this interface to cover all major spices and regions of the country, and expects
to have continuous partnership and support from the UNDP.
Speaking on the collaboration, Ms. Shoko Noda, Resident Representative,
UNDP India, said, “We are confident that the blockchain
interface will help connect the spice farmers with international markets and add
to their income. The technology can also help in rebuilding the pandemic affected
supply chains by providing trading partners and consumers with trusted and secured
data on goods and transactions.”
About Spices Board
Spices Board is one of the five Commodity Boards functioning
under the Ministry of Commerce &Industry. It is an autonomous body responsible
for the export promotion of the 52 scheduled spices and development of Cardamom
(Small & Large). The main functions of the Spices Board are the following: (i) Research, Development and Regulation of domestic marketing
of Small & Large Cardamom; (ii) Post-harvest improvement of all spices; (iii)
Export promotion of all spices and assisting exporters in technology upgradation,
quality management, brand promotion, research & product development; (iv) Development
of spices in the North East; (v) Regulation of quality of spices for exports through
its quality evaluation services; etc.
About UNDP
UNDP works across 170 countries and territories to eradicate
poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies,
skills, partnerships, and institutions so they can sustain their progress. UNDP
has worked in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development, from systems
strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable
energy, environment, and resilience. UNDP’s programmes
continue to integrate a global vision for catalytic change with India’s national
priorities. With over 30 projects on the ground in almost every state, today, it
works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by transforming traditional models
to do development differently.
For Further information, please contact:
Spices Board India
Suresh Kumar PM
Director
Contact details: sureshkumar.pm@nic.in
Nithin Joe
Deputy Director
Contact details: nithin.joe@nic.in