AYUSHEXCIL and Spices Board of India sign MoU to strengthen global promotion of Ayush products and medicinal spices

📌 Summary:

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between AYUSHEXCIL (Ayush Export Promotion Council) and the Spices Board of India to strengthen the global promotion of Ayush products and medicinal spices
• The MoU was signed by Dr. Anurag Sharma, Chairman, AYUSHEXCIL, and M. S. Manivannan, Secretary, Spices Board of India, in the presence of Union MoS (IC) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav
• The collaboration covers export promotion, quality assurance, standardization, scientific validation, traceability, research and innovation, and international market development for functional foods, nutraceuticals, herbal extracts and value-added Ayurvedic and spice-based products
• A proposed "Spice and Heal" initiative is intended as a branding campaign positioning India as a global leader in holistic health and natural healing
• Both bodies will also work on Codex engagement and joint participation in international trade fairs and promotional activities
• Aim: benefit farmers, MSMEs, startups, women entrepreneurs and exporters, boosting export growth and India's visibility in the global wellness economy; aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and "Heal in India"

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Indian Economy) — export promotion, value addition, agri-allied trade, and leveraging traditional knowledge as an economic asset.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• AYUSHEXCIL = Ayush Export Promotion Council
• MoU partner: Spices Board of India, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Proposed branding campaign: "Spice and Heal"
• "Codex" refers to the Codex Alimentarius — international food standards

🔑 Key Term: Codex Alimentarius — a collection of internationally recognised food standards, guidelines and codes of practice developed by the FAO and WHO to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade.