AG Thankappan Appointed as Chairman of Spices Board

AG Thankappan is the new Chairman of Spices Board, Kochi. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed him at this position for a period of three years. 

The appointment will come in effect from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, or on co-terminus basis with the tenure of the Board, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, a report by PSUWATCH said.

Know More about Spices Board of India

The Spices Board of India, headquartered in Kochi, is the Indian government's regulatory and export promotion agency for spices. It was founded in the year 1987 under Spices Board Act, 1986. Its responsibilities included the production and development of cardamom and the export promotion of 52 spices named in the Act.

The board also has a laboratory situated in its headquarters in Kochi. It also has regional laboratories in other locations including Mumbai, Chennai, Guntur, Kandla, Delhi, and Tuticorin.

These laboratories check the quality of the spices which are exported from India to other countries.

The Spices Board also has an outlet near its headquarters in Kochi. This outlet sells spices under the brand name ‘Flavourit.’ It has also initiated an online campaign called Spice Train. This intends to make Indians aware of the country's rich spice heritage.

Additionally, the Spices Board also provides information on the spices grown and exported from India.

The Spices Board also offers a package of services for importers which include helping them establish contact with exporters, examining complaints from importers and taking corrective measures, giving a common platform to Indian exporters and international buyers through the World Spice Congress, maintaining a data bank for importers and exporters et cetera.