Key Facts and Data Points
- MoU Partners: Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) and Spices Board of India
- AYUSHEXCIL: Export Promotion Council supported by Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Ayush
- Incorporation Year: AYUSHEXCIL was incorporated as a Section 8 company in 2022
- Spices Board: Constituted in 1987 under the Spices Board Act, 1986
- Scheduled Spices: Spices Board oversees export promotion of 52 scheduled spices
- Key Initiatives: Quality enhancement, traceability, scientific validation, Codex engagement, branding
- Featured Campaign: 'Spice and Heal' initiative for global branding
Background and Context
About AYUSHEXCIL
- Export Promotion Council for Ayush products
- Supported by Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Ayush
- Incorporated under Companies Act, 2013 as Section 8 company
- Oversees exports of:
- Ayurveda
- Homoeopathy
- Siddha
- Sowa-Rigpa
- Unani products
- Addresses trade-related issues in these traditional medicine sectors
About Spices Board of India
- Autonomous body functioning under Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- One of the five Commodity Boards
- Formed through merger of:
- Cardamom Board (1968)
- Spices Export Promotion Council (1960)
- Responsible for export promotion of 52 scheduled spices
- Also handles development of small and large cardamom
Key Focus Areas of Collaboration
- Quality Enhancement: Strengthening quality standards for Ayush products and medicinal spices
- Traceability: Implementing tracking systems for product origin and quality
- Scientific Validation: Research backing for traditional medicine claims
- Capacity Building: Training stakeholders across the value chain
- Codex Engagement: Participation in Codex Alimentarius Commission standards
- Branding Initiatives: Joint marketing and positioning campaigns
- International Trade Fairs: Collaborative participation in global exhibitions
Products Covered
- Functional foods
- Nutraceuticals
- Herbal extracts
- Value-added Ayurvedic products
- Spice-based wellness products
Beneficiaries
- Farmers: Growing medicinal spices and herbs
- MSMEs: Small and medium enterprises in Ayush sector
- Startups: Wellness and traditional medicine startups
- Women Entrepreneurs: Opportunities in spice processing and Ayush products
- Exporters: Trading companies in both sectors
- Stakeholders: Complete ecosystem across Ayush and spice sectors
Significance for India
Economic Impact
- Export Promotion: Boosting India's traditional medicine exports globally
- Make in India: Supporting domestic manufacturing of Ayush products
- Employment Generation: Creating opportunities across the value chain
- Foreign Exchange: Increasing export earnings from traditional medicine sector
Strategic Importance
- Global Leadership: Positioning India as hub for holistic health solutions
- Wellness Economy: Tapping into growing global wellness tourism market
- Traditional Knowledge: Leveraging India's ancient medicinal heritage
- Integration: Combining Ayush systems with India's rich spice heritage
Policy Alignment
- Aligns with National Ayush Mission
- Supports Ayush Sector development objectives
- Contributes to Atmanirbhar Bharat in traditional medicine
- Promotes Vocal for Local in Ayush products
Related Information
Section 8 Companies
Companies incorporated under Section 8 of Companies Act, 2013:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Promote charitable, religious, or trade objectives
- Can distribute income to members
- Require minimum 2 members and 2 directors
Commodity Boards in India
Five Commodity Boards under Ministry of Commerce and Industry:
- Spices Board
- Tea Board
- Coffee Board
- Rubber Board
- Tobacco Board
Codex Alimentarius Commission
- International food standards body
- Joint FAO/WHO body
- Sets standards for food safety and quality
- Important for export compliance
Quick Revision Points
| Aspect | AYUSHEXCIL | Spices Board |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry | Commerce & Industry, Ayush | Commerce & Industry |
| Established | 2022 | 1987 |
| Legal Form | Section 8 Company | Autonomous Body |
| Governing Act | Companies Act, 2013 | Spices Board Act, 1986 |
| Products | Ayush systems | 52 scheduled spices |
Remember: The 'Spice and Heal' initiative aims to position India as a global leader in holistic health and natural healing solutions.