What Financial Assistance is the Spices Board Offering to Exporters and FPOs?

Kochi, May 21 (NationPress) The Spices Board, operating under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has declared financial support for exporters, farmers, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) as part of its flagship initiative titled "Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED)" for the fiscal year 2025–26.

Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, the Spices Board aims to bolster the Indian spices industry by emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and export readiness.

Applications can be submitted online starting May 26.

Spice exporters can apply for the export development and promotion components of the SPICED scheme until June 30, while applications for development components concerning farmers and FPOs will be accepted until September 30.

Stakeholders interested in applying can visit www.indianspices.com.

The SPICED scheme, which has been approved by the government for execution through the end of the Fifteenth Finance Commission cycle (until FY 2025–26), is a holistic initiative aimed at improving productivity in both small and large cardamom, enhancing post-harvest quality, and promoting the production and export of value-added, GI-tagged, and organic spices.

This initiative also focuses on meeting international food safety and phytosanitary standards while enhancing stakeholder capabilities across the entire value chain.

The scheme supports activities such as replanting cardamom plantations, developing water resources, micro-irrigation, promoting organic farming, and expanding good agricultural practices (GAP).

Furthermore, it aids in the establishment of modernized post-harvest infrastructure, including advanced dryers, slicers, dehullers, and grading machines to guarantee high product quality.

The "Mission Clean and Safe Spices" component addresses significant gaps in food safety compliance through the promotion of food safety and quality certifications.

To facilitate farmers and FPOs, the SPICED scheme allocates financial help for the acquisition of vital post-harvest machinery such as spice polishers, turmeric boilers, mint distillation units, and threshing machines.

The program also emphasizes on-farm composting units, the adoption of organic certification, and promoting GI-tagged spices, particularly in the Northeastern Region, to develop export-ready spice clusters.

Additionally, it supports the establishment of Spice Incubation Centres and encourages entrepreneurship and product development initiatives aimed at improving market access and branding for startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In terms of export development and promotion, the scheme provides assistance for participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meetings, and other market linkage initiatives.

Particular attention is given to aiding first-time exporters and small businesses, enabling them to present Indian spices in global markets.

Through capacity-building efforts, including training and extension services, the scheme aspires to empower spice farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and FPOs with the newest technical knowledge, best practices, and market insights.

The SPICED scheme exemplifies the Spices Board’s ongoing dedication to positioning India as a global leader in spices through innovation, quality enhancement, and inclusive growth.

Regional, divisional, and field offices of the Board will provide essential support to stakeholders in navigating the application process and implementing approved projects.

Stakeholders are encouraged to visit www.indianspices.com or reach out to their nearest Spices Board office for further information and assistance.