TV
Already recognised for coffee and millet cultivation, the Koraput district is now seeking official recognition for its diverse spice production, with locals and academicians believing that the region has the potential to become India’s next big spice tourism hub.
As of now, farmers across the Koraput region cultivate ginger, turmeric, green chillies, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and bay leaf, creating a wide agricultural base. Stakeholders have urged the Odisha government to include Koraput in the spice tourism circuit and release an official tourism map highlighting these crops.
Officials Highlight Unique Potential
Tourist officer Talina Pradhani said that discussions have been initiated with the agriculture and horticulture departments, as well as the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), to assess the prospects of spice tourism.
According to her, preparing a dedicated map would help visitors identify spice clusters and connect them to farm-based experiences. She added that the government is also considering ways to integrate this with Koraput’s existing reputation for coffee and natural landscapes.
Experts And Scientists Weigh In
CUO Professor Sourabh Gupta said Koraput’s soil and weather provide strong prospects for cardamom, pepper and cinnamon cultivation on a larger scale, which could be linked with national and international markets.
"Tourism in Koraput is not only about the scenic beauty of Deomali and its surrounding areas. People should also come and gain knowledge about the spices that are grown here. Such moves have already been taken up in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Odisha's Koraput should also be developed as a spice tourism hub,” said Gupta.
Business Community And Farmers Seek Facilities
Local businessman Sujoy Kumar Pradhan emphasised the need for processing units, fairs, and training centres to make spice farming commercially viable for cultivators.
He pointed out that spices such as turmeric and black pepper already have strong demand in urban markets, and official promotion would enable Koraput farmers to reach wider buyers.
"There is a dire necessity for a tourism map that not only highlights points of scenic beauty but also promotes farms. Tourists can witness how farming is being done, especially after the government's flagship 80,000-acre coffee farming push for tribals. With this move, tribal heritage and livelihoods would receive the spotlight."
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Farmers in several blocks have also requested improved storage and transport infrastructure to prevent losses during peak harvest seasons.
Sources reported that the government is holding preliminary consultations on how to connect spice-growing villages with tourist routes and hospitality services.
Plans include mapping spice-specific areas, organising exhibitions, and establishing training hubs for both farmers and entrepreneurs. If finalised, the initiative would allow Koraput to position its spice sector alongside coffee and millets in tourism promotion campaigns.
