INDIA should aim to significantly increase it pepper production by developing an Integrated Model for Development, which will help it compete with Vietnam, the world's biggest producer. Jairam Ramesh, the government minister of state for commerce, told reporters that the country's Spices Board should be given responsibility for the promotion and development of the pepper sector in a similar way that it does with cardamom. At present, the board only deals with the export of pepper, while issues concerning productivity are the responsibility of the government. Under its '11th Plan', the Spices Board has set aside Rs920m ($191m) for enhancing cardamom production and productivity, but only Rs20m had been allotted for pepper... Read More