India has long been recognised as the leading producer and exporter of spices, a title it has maintained for centuries. Each day, the diverse range of spices enhances meals in millions of Indian households, creating a unique blend of aromas and flavours. From cloves and cumin that enrich lentil dishes to cardamom that flavours chai, spices are integral to Indian cuisine.

However, the farming regions that supply these essential spices are increasingly vulnerable due to climatic shifts. The adverse effects of climate change are projected to impact not only the availability of these spices but also the economic well-being of countless Indian families.

Overview of India’s Spice Industry

The scale of the spice industry in India is substantial, producing over fifty varieties and exporting goods worth approximately $4.45 billion in the fiscal year 2024-2025. Notably, turmeric exports alone reached $987 million, highlighting India’s dominance in global production, as it accounts for around 80 per cent of the world’s turmeric supply.

Nevertheless, critical spice-producing areas, including the Western Ghats known for pepper and cardamom, the Deccan plateau famous for turmeric and chilli, and the arid regions of Rajasthan where cumin and coriander are cultivated, are under duress. These changes could have profound repercussions for both production levels and prices.

Research indicates that rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns are detrimental to yields across these vital spice-producing regions. Consequently, producers are bracing for a future where they may struggle to meet both domestic and international demands.

Impacts on Key Spices: Black Pepper and Cardamom

Black pepper, regarded as the “king of spices,” is already experiencing yield declines. India contributed 11 per cent of global black pepper production in 2024, with Karnataka and Kerala together accounting for 90 per cent of domestic output. Studies from the Indian Institute of Spices Research in Kozhikode have established that rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are significantly undermining yields, leading to concerns that India may need to import pepper to satisfy local demand.

In Kerala’s Idukki district, where 70 per cent of India’s cardamom is produced, farmers are facing unprecedented challenges. A 2024 report indicated that annual rainfall decreased by 13.62 millimetres over a period of sixty years, coupled with an overall rise in temperatures. Drought conditions have resulted in heavy losses across more than 16,210 hectares dedicated to cardamom cultivation. As production costs remain high, fluctuating market prices have left farmers grappling with uncertainty.

With prices swinging dramatically between Rs 1,549 and Rs 3,116 per kilogram in 2024 alone, the viability of cardamom farming is increasingly precarious. This volatility not only affects farmer livelihoods but can also lead to consumer price hikes for essential culinary ingredients.

Challenges for Turmeric and Broader Implications

Turmeric, an essential spice in countless households, is not spared from these climate-related challenges. India produces around 1.1 million tonnes of turmeric annually, primarily from states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Erratic weather conditions, including unseasonal rainfall and drought, have disrupted the growth cycles, resulting in yield drops of 10 to 15 per cent for the 2024-2025 harvest period.

More concerning is the effect of climate variability on turmeric’s quality. Unseasonal rainfall diminishes curcumin concentration, which is vital for both medicinal and culinary applications. With total turmeric stocks decreasing from 1.2 million bags to just 500,000, a further decline in production is anticipated, leading to increased costs for this staple spice.

As Indian cuisine heavily relies on the consistent availability of spices, the ongoing climate challenges pose significant risks to traditional recipes and culinary practices. Efforts to implement solutions, such as agroforestry and improved drainage, are being explored but require broader adoption to safeguard these vital agricultural products against future climate disruptions.

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