Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Spices Board of India is a statutory organization responsible for the development, promotion, and export regulation of Indian spices.
It serves as an interface between Indian exporters and international markets.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Spices Board was constituted on 26th February 1987 under the Spices Board Act 19
It was formed by merging the erstwhile Cardamom Board and the Spices Export Promotion Council.
Since its primary mandate focuses on export promotion, international trade, quality certification, and global marketing of 52 scheduled spices, it operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
It is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.
While the Ministry of Agriculture handles local crop cultivation, the post-harvest commercial export trade falls under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Spices Board India operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which corresponds to option (D).