Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched a transformative scheme aimed at significantly enhancing the export of spices and value- added spice products as well as improving the productivity of cardamoms and upgrading the post-harvest quality of spices across India for export.

Various programmes rolled out under the scheme 'Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED)' will be implemented during the remaining period of the 15th Finance Commission cycle, till FY 2025-26, with a total approved outlay of Rs. 422.30 crore.

The SPICED scheme is expected to facilitate value addition and to drive innovation and sustainability in the spice sector by introducing new sub-components/programs like the Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean and Safe Spices, promotion of GI spices, support for entrepreneurship through Spice Incubation Centres, etc. The scheme gives thrust on farmers groups / FPOS / Farmers Clusters identified under ODOP and DEH, SC/ST community, Exporters from NE region, and SMEs.

The programs under the components such as Improving the productivity of cardamom and Post-harvest quality upgradation of spices are specifically designed to empower farmer groups, including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in key spice-growing regions. These groups will be prioritized for post-harvest improvement of spices, with targeted assistance provided to enhance creation of an exportable surplus of spices, in compliance with the applicable food safety and quality standards.

The programs for cardamom, focuses on increasing the productivity of both small and large cardamom through replanting efforts, production of quality planting material, developing water sources, adopting micro-irrigation systems, etc. Additionally, there are programs to promote weather-based insurance to protect farmers' interests. Similarly, post-harvest quality improvement of spices is addressed through programs such as Mission Clean and Safe Spices through post-harvest improvement by groups in identified clusters, promotion of sustainable production and certification systems and extension advisory services.

In a move to further strengthen value addition in the spice sector, the Board is introducing components such as Enhancing capacities for market expansion, Trade promotion, and Technological interventions. These components offer support for technological and infrastructural interventions for processing and value addition of spices, setting up or upgradation of in-house laboratories, product development, market

development & branding, and implementation of food safety & quality assurance mechanisms, all aimed at improving India's global competitiveness in the spice sector. To strengthen trade promotion efforts, programs have been designed to support participation in international fairs, buyer-seller meets, and for promotion of GI-tagged spices in domestic and global markets. Moreover, the Board provides financial assistance for Spice Incubation Centres to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs to develop new products and processes within the spices sector. While exporters with a valid Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) are eligible for assistance under these programs, preference will be given to first-time applicants, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), etc.

Receipt and processing of applications under the scheme SPICED are online. Spices Board's officials shall support the growers in submitting the application through the online portal, if required. Scheme activities will be geo-tagged and fund availability, status of applications under different components, list of beneficiaries, etc. will be published in the Board's website for better transparency.

This multifaceted scheme underscores the Board's commitment to bolstering India's spice industry, improving farmer livelihoods, and solidifying India's position as a global leader in spice production, processing, and export.

The online submission of application for availing assistance under various programs of the SPICED scheme will commence from 20th September 2024. For more information and assistance, interested stakeholders may visit the Board's website www.indianspices.com or contact the nearest Spices Board office.

 

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