Kandla Port gets quality evaluation lab of Spices Board

It is the seventh lab set up by Spices Board in India and has latest equipment to test a range of parameters in spice products

The Spices Board has set up Gujarat's first quality evaluation laboratory at the Kandla port, The facility, which is going to be operational from May 4, 2016, will provide analytical services to the Indian spice industry, monitor the quality of spices produced and processed in the country and analyze all the samples collected by the Board.

The laboratory is the seventh such facility established by the Spices Board across India and has the latest machinery and equipment to test a range of parameters in spice and spice products.

"Ensuring that the quality of spices and spice products meet global standards is of vital importance, which is why we have prioritised setting up of these laboratories at all the major producing and exporting centers in the country," said A Jayathilak, chairman, Spices Board.

The laboratory has been set up on 1,618 square meters of land allotted by the Kandla Port Trust, at a cost of Rs 9.9 crore with central government support of Rs 4.98 crore under the assistance to states for Infrastructure Development of Exports (ASIDE) scheme.

According to industry sources, Gujarat is an important place for cumin (jeera), coriander, fennel production and exports. This lab will be helpful to improve quality products in the state.

The laboratory can test samples for various parameters like total plate count, yeast and mould count, coliforms, aflatoxin, moisture, colour value and volatile oil.

According to Spices Board, the lab will help identify pesticides, illegal dilution and life-threatening fungi seen in spices, using advanced equipment.

A Jayathilak said, " Our long-term vision is to earn India the status of an international processing hub and premier supplier of clean, safe and value added spices and herbs to the industrial, retail, and food service segments of the global spices market."

The first such laboratory of Spices Board was established in 1989 in Kochi. Regional quality evaluation laboratories have since been set up at major production and export centers including Mumbai, Guntur, Chennai, New Delhi and Tuticorin.