🌶️ India – The Spice Capital of the World: Top Spice-Producing States and Their Signature Flavours
Meta Title: India – The Largest Spice Producer in the World | Top Spice-Producing States & Key Spices
Meta Description: Discover India’s top spice-producing states, key crops like chilli, turmeric, cumin & pepper, and how India became the world’s spice capital.
Focus Keyphrase: largest spice producing states in India
Introduction
If there’s one aroma that defines India, it’s the fragrance of spices. From the bustling spice bazaars of Kerala to the saffron fields of Kashmir, India’s spice story is as rich as its cuisine. Did you know that India produces 75 of the 109 spices recognised by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)? No other country in the world grows, consumes, or exports spices like India does.
In this article, we’ll explore India’s largest spice-producing states, highlight the most cultivated spices, and uncover why India proudly wears the crown as the world’s spice capital.
🌾 India’s Spice Powerhouse: A Snapshot
- India is the world’s largest producer, exporter, and consumer of spices.
- In 2020–21, the country produced over 10.7 million tonnes of spices.
- Spice exports crossed USD 4.18 billion, reaching over 160 countries, including the US, China, Vietnam, UAE, and more.
- Out of 109 globally recognised spices, India cultivates 75 varieties — nearly 70% of the world’s total.
🥇 Top Spice-Producing States in India (2020–21)
| Rank | State | Estimated Production (Million Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madhya Pradesh | 3.23 |
| 2 | Rajasthan | 1.23 |
| 3 | Gujarat | 1.03 |
| 4 | Andhra Pradesh | 0.93 |
| 5 | Telangana | 0.74 |
Other key producers: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
🌶️ Major Spices Grown in India
India’s spice basket is vast and vibrant. The most significant crops are:
- Chilli – 29% of total cultivation area; 37% of total production
- Cumin – 17% of production
- Turmeric – 10%
- Ginger – 8%
- Others: coriander, fenugreek, cardamom, garlic, tamarind, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and celery
Together, chilli, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger make up nearly three-quarters of India’s spice production.
🌍 Spice-Specific State Rankings
Chilli
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Madhya Pradesh
- Karnataka
- West Bengal
Garlic
- Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Punjab
Turmeric
- Telangana
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
Cumin
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
Coriander
- Madhya Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Assam
- West Bengal
Ginger
- Madhya Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Assam
- West Bengal
- Odisha
Pepper
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
Cardamom (Small)
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
Cardamom (Large)
- Sikkim
- West Bengal
- Arunachal Pradesh
Fennel
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Madhya Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Uttar Pradesh
Fenugreek
- Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- West Bengal
Tamarind
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
Cloves
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Kerala
Nutmeg
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Celery
Punjab is India’s largest celery seed producer.
🌿 Kerala – The Land of Spices
Nicknamed “The Land of Spices,” Kerala has been the heart of the spice trade since ancient times. Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise thrive in its lush hills. The city of Kozhikode (Calicut) is famously known as “The City of Spices”, symbolising India’s centuries-old connection with global spice routes.
📦 India’s Global Spice Trade
India exports spices to over 160 countries, with China, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, UAE, UK, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Germany being top importers.
From turmeric in curry powders to cardamom in global desserts, Indian spices season kitchens across the world.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Which state is the largest producer of spices in India?
Madhya Pradesh – producing around 3.23 million tonnes of spices annually.
Which country is the largest producer of spices in the world?
India – producing over 10.7 million tonnes (2020–21).
Which city is famous for spices in India?
Kozhikode, Kerala – historically known as the City of Spices.
Which state is known as the Land of Spices?
Kerala – home to pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise.
Which state leads in chilli production?
Andhra Pradesh – India’s top chilli-producing state.
🌱 The Spice Route Legacy
India’s spice legacy is not just about trade — it’s about tradition, wellness, and flavour. From turmeric’s healing powers to the fiery kick of chilli, every spice tells a story. As the world’s largest producer and exporter, India continues to spice up global cuisine while supporting millions of farmers and local communities.
At Spice Route, we celebrate this legacy by sourcing our products from the very heartlands that grow them — authentic, pure, and full of flavour.