New scheme to boost India’s spice production, export
To increase production of export quality spices, the Spice Board has launched a special scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers for replanting, irrigation, mechanisation, soil conservation and organic farming. Under the new scheme, farmers of small cardamom in Kerala and Tamil Nadu will be able to get up to Rs 70,000 per hectare for replanting of old, diseased and uneconomic plantations. Farmers in Karnataka will get up to Rs 50,000 per hectare for the same purpose. According to Spice Board Chairman A Jayathilak, the scheme is part of the Board’s 12th plan to increase export-oriented production of small cardamom and improve the post-harvest process across the country. To help spice growers in buying irrigation equipment, the Board will offer financial aid of up to 25% of the equipment cost. Besides, farmers can get up to 50% funding for developing storage facilities meant for rain water harvesting. “The eligibility criteria for availing the benefits are based on the land held by the grower,” Jayathilak was quoted as saying in a statement. To reduce production cost and ensure timely cultural operations, Board will also help farmers in adopting mechanised process. As per the scheme, farmers can get up to 50% subsidy in procuring pit makers, weed cutters, plant protection equipment, washing equipment, graders/sieves and polishers. Spice Board data shows that India exported 8.93 lakh tonnes of spices and spice products worth $2.43 billion during the last financial year, which was 7% up from $2.267 billion export in 2013-14.
July 31, 2015 | 3:12 pm IST.
to success.