Budgam, Feb 26: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Budgam organized a collaborative programme in association with the Spices Board Regional Office, Srinagar, to mark the 39th Foundation Day of the Spices Board and to observe the National Campaign on “Clean and Safe Spices.”

The event focused on quality improvement in spice production and post-harvest management.
During the event, Ashutosh Gautam, Scientist from the Spices Board in Srinagar, conducted an extensive discussion on the national and international standards applicable to spices, including the quality regulations of USFDA, ASTA, and EU, along with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP). He also brought attention to the FSSAI standards relevant to the domestic market and elaborated on the 8th edition of the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) concerning organic spices.
The technical session included scientific discussions from KVK scientists, covering a broad spectrum of topics such as scientific production techniques, pest and disease management, post-harvest processes.
Prof. & Head, KVK Budgam, Dr. Bilal A. Lone emphasized that ensuring clean and safe spice production is essential not only for consumer health but also for enhancing the market competitiveness of farmers. He highlighted that quality improvement must begin at the farm level through the adoption of good agricultural practices, scientific post-harvest handlingand proper storage.
He appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Spices Board Regional Office, Srinagar, and stated that such joint programmes strengthen the extension network and build the capacity of farmers to meet national and export standards. He further assured that KVK Budgam will continue to organize need-based training programmes to promote quality, value additionand sustainable spice production in the district