Treasure of Spices

Book excerpt: India is often referred as “Home of spices”. This is because many of the 70 spices grown in the world, are native to India. Further, since antiquity, India pioneered in growing spices and exported. India has enjoyed virtual monopoly in the International Spice trade since ancient times. Out of the 70 spices, several of them can be grown in India, whereas in other countries a few spices are only grown. This book focuses on practices for growing spices and obtaining a reasonably steady yield. It provides practical information on small-scale cultivation, genetics, breeding, harvesting, storing, processing and marketing of spices. We hope this information will be helpful to vegetable growers, whether beginners or more experienced farmers, extension workers and agricultural teachers.