INDIA'S spice exports are likely to reach $1bn by 2008/09 due to higher demand for chilli, cumin and mint products, according to VJ Kurian, chairman of the state-run Indian Spices Board. Data from the group forecast that India is likely to export spices worth $875m in 2007/08, up 10% from a year ago. Mr Kurian told news agency Reuters: "By 2017 we would like India to be the only processing hub for spice in the world." The country is aiming to become a global processing hub and plans to set up six or seven spice parks in major growing centres and regional quality control laboratories at Guntur, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi... Read More