Event Overview
A one-day training programme on "Production Technology of Seed Spices and Value Addition for Export" was organized on September 15, 2026, by the ICAR-AICRP on Spices, Jobner Centre, in collaboration with the State Agriculture Management Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, at SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner.
The programme was organized with the objective of strengthening the technical capacity of agriculture officials and other stakeholders regarding scientific production technologies, seed certification, quality assurance, climate-resilient production, post-harvest management, value addition and export-oriented quality standards of seed spices.
Participation and Dignitaries
A total of 22 participants including Agriculture Officers (AO), Assistant Agriculture Officers (AAO) and Agriculture Supervisors (AS) representing 10 Agriculture Divisions of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, participated in the training programme.
The Deputy Director Agriculture, SAMETI, Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, also participated and emphasized the importance of capacity building and dissemination of improved technologies among farmers through the agricultural extension system.
The programme was graced by Dr. A.C. Shivran, Director, Human Resource Development (HRD), as the Chief Guest, while Dr. L.R. Yadav, Dean and Faculty Chairman, SKNCOA, Jobner, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Technical Sessions
Dr. Shailesh Marker — Seed Spices: Rajasthan's Untapped Potential for Export
Dr. Shailesh Marker delivered a lecture highlighting improved production technologies, efficient resource utilization, and adoption of location-specific technologies for increasing productivity and farm profitability, with a focus on Rajasthan's potential for export of seed spices.
Dr. A.C. Shivran — Historical Contribution of ICAR-AICRP on Spices and Organic Farming
Dr. A.C. Shivran delivered an informative lecture on the historical contribution of the ICAR-AICRP on Spices, Jobner Centre, in the development of seed spices through research, varietal improvement and technology dissemination. He also highlighted the importance and scope of organic farming in seed spices, particularly in view of growing demand for safe, residue-free and export-quality agricultural produce.
Dr. Ram Kunwar — Seed Certification and Quality Assurance of Seed Spices
Dr. Ram Kunwar highlighted the importance of quality seed, seed certification standards, genetic and physical purity, germination, seed health and quality assurance in improving seed spice production and maintaining quality for domestic and export markets.
Dr. G.L. Kumawat — Climate Change and Emerging Pest and Disease Challenges
Dr. G.L. Kumawat discussed the changing pest and disease scenario under variable climatic conditions and emphasized integrated approaches for effective management and sustainable production of seed spices.
Key Highlights and Outcomes
- Rajasthan's significant role in the production of major seed spices — coriander, cumin, fennel and fenugreek — was underscored
- Adoption of improved production practices, quality seed and climate-smart technologies highlighted for enhancing farmers' income
- Training covered grading, processing, packaging, value addition, food safety and export quality requirements
- Participants gained understanding of the complete production-to-market chain of seed spices
- Officials from 10 Agriculture Divisions of Rajasthan benefited from the technical knowledge exchange
- Effective platform for interaction among scientists, agriculture officials and other stakeholders created
Programme Impact
The training programme provided an effective platform for interaction among scientists, agriculture officials and other stakeholders, facilitating the exchange of technical knowledge and field-level experiences. The participating officials expressed their appreciation for the initiative and emphasized the usefulness of the training in strengthening extension activities across different agricultural divisions of Rajasthan.
Scientific post-harvest management and value addition were discussed as key contributors to enhancing farmers' income and export competitiveness of Rajasthan's seed spice sector.
