The story
Cuttack, the old trading capital of Odisha, built a cluster of small spice-grinding units supplying markets across the state. Raw turmeric and ginger come from Kandhamal and other hill districts. MSME-DI Cuttack adopted the cluster under MSE-CDP for soft interventions.
In numbers
The Cuttack spices cluster had 150 functional units with a turnover of Rs. 250 crore (2010-11), exports of Rs. 4.35 crore (2010-11) and employment of about 7,500.
Brief Industrial Profile of Cuttack District, MSME-DI Cuttack, Ministry of MSME · 2015
Ways in for a newcomer
- Branded, FSSAI-compliant spice packs for modern retail
- Cryogenic grinding or steam sterilisation for export buyers
- Contract sourcing of Kandhamal turmeric
Problems the cluster faces
- Adulteration concerns and testing costs
- Competition from national spice brands
- DPR for the common facility centre still pending (per the district profile)
Businesses to start here
Masala / Spice Grinding Unit →Cryogenic Spice Grinding →Curry Powder and Rice Powder Unit →