Mega scheme expected to be launched to increase productivity of cardamom and export of spices

22-Aug-2024 04:17 PM

Kochi. A statement issued by the Spices Board, a subordinate body of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said that a big plan is being prepared to increase the export of whole spices and value-added spice products as well as to improve the productivity of cardamom.

This also includes serious efforts to upgrade the quality of the crop after harvesting and preparation of the crop across the country so that there is no hindrance in the export of spices.

This scheme has been named - Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED), under which many programs are being run or have been prepared.

This entire scheme will be implemented during the period of the 15th Finance Commission cycle. This period will continue till the financial year 2025-26 and a total budget of Rs 422.30 crore has been approved for this scheme.

According to the Spices Board, the 'Spiced' scheme will promote value addition of spices and will help in emphasizing new creation and continuity in the spice sector.

Under this, many sub-missions will be prepared, which include value addition of spices to its cleanliness, health safety, quality, promotion of GI spices and support to spice manufacturers etc. This will make it possible to produce better spices.

As far as improving the quality of cardamom, increasing its yield rate and raising the level of post-harvest quality of other spices is concerned, the Spices Board has also made a special program for this. Under this,

producer groups will be empowered, which also includes Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO), Farmer Producers Companies (FPC) and Self Help Groups (SHGs) etc. India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices in the world. This position will remain intact in future also.