The SPICED scheme - short for 'Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development' - is a Spices Board initiative by India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. With a total outlay of Rs.422 crore, it aims to boost spice exports, increase cardamom productivity, enhance post-harvest quality, and support value addition through 2025-26. The SPICED scheme provides financial assistance for various activities: MISSIO

Consuming heavy metals in spices, like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, can severely harm human health, leading to neurological damage (mental retardation, cognitive issues), kidney/ liver failure, cardiovascular problems, immune system suppression, birth defects, and even caner, because these metals accumulate in organs and disrupt normal body functions, with risks increasing with adulterated spice consumption and chronic exposure. SPECIFIC HEALTH IMPACTS BY METAL: LEAD (Pb) : Da

Spices are widely used in the perfume, and cosmetic industries for their rich, diverse aromas, as well as their functional properties, such as warmth, depth, and antimicrobial benefits. Their use dates back to ancient civilizations for cultural, medicinal, and religious purposes. USE IN PERFUME INDUSTRY: Spices are fundamental to perfumery, adding warmth, complexity, and character to fragrances. They can be classified into 'warm' spices (like cinnamon and clove) which provide