Kerala spices, a beeline for many to open exclusive shops

Kumily (Kerala), Aug 16 : As the fame of Indian spices is fast spreading in an around the world, many people these days are turning their ordinary shops to spices supermarkets in the spices rich land of Kerala.

Kumily, Thekkady region in Idukki district of Kerala said to be the hub of spices and herbs for which travelers never miss a chance to get a bag full of it during their visit.

Many in the region are now open shops as the place is becoming famous due to its availability of rich spices.

Haji Abdhul Khader, running his exclusive spice shop in the outskirts of Kumily road, said, "I tried out many business, but could not get success. I even been to Gulf in search of a job, I was in Muscat for 10 years and returned back in 1984 and finally resorted on opening an exclusive shop for spices as it is locally available. I was more confident to get a success than any other business. Now it is picking up well ".

"Buying spices from here has got its own taste and aroma as these are grown locally here using organic methods it remains fresh for long time and price wise its cheap, the quantity is also satisfying that is why people come here get a pack with them", said Ashok Kumar, a tourist.

In the entire Kumily region, there are over 150 spices shops which sell not only Kerala or locally grown spices, but even brought in from nearby states or countries.

Over twelve varieties of spices, including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg are cultivated in Idukki and the surrounding areas.

It is believed that the spice trade dates back to three thousand years. Pepper being the king in entire range of Kerala spices,

India's spices exports are likely to rise 18 per cent to 1.3 billion dollar in 2008-09 due to good demand for chilli, pepper and cumin seed. The country's exports touched a record 1.1 billion dollar in 2007-08.

At present, India produces over four million tones of spices and exports around 180 spice products to over 150 countries and holds the premier position in the world. y Juhan Samuel

ANI