Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom: Export Oriented Production: Large Cardamom Certified Nursery (Unit)

This scheme, by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, focuses on improving the quality and export potential of large cardamom. It provides subsidies for establishing certified nurseries to ensure the availability of high-quality planting materials.

What is the Large Cardamom Certified Nursery (Unit) Scheme?

The scheme supports individual growers and farmer groups in setting up large cardamom nurseries. It offers financial assistance for the production of certified seedlings, promoting better cultivation practices and export-oriented production.

Key Objectives of the Scheme

· Improve Planting Material Quality: To ensure the availability of certified, high-quality large cardamom seedlings.

· Enhance Production: To boost the production of large cardamom for export.

· Support Farmers: To provide financial assistance and technical guidance to growers.

· Promote Replanting and Gap Filling: To encourage farmers to maintain healthy plantations.

· Increase Export Potential: To improve the overall quality and quantity of cardamom for export markets.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme

· Growers/Farmers Groups: Individual growers or farmer groups with suitable land and irrigation facilities.

· Area of Operation: Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, and other North-Eastern States.

Benefits of the Scheme

· Subsidy on Planting Material:

1. General Category: 33.33% of production cost, maximum ₹3 per seedling.

2. SC/ST Category: 75% of production cost, ₹6.75 per seedling.

· Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Payment of subsidy in the succeeding year of planting.

· Technical Guidance: Field staff visits and provides necessary technical support.

· Allotment Flexibility: Units allotted in multiples of 500 seedlings, minimum 1000, maximum 5000 per beneficiary.

How to Apply for the Scheme?

· Offline Application:

1. Application Submission: Submit applications with required documents to Field Offices in major spice-growing regions.

2. Additional Document Submission: Provide any extra documents requested by the officer.

3. Legal Entity Requirement (Farmers Groups): Farmer groups must be legal entities and execute an agreement with the Board on ₹200/- stamp paper.

4. Inspection and Recommendation: Preliminary and final inspections are conducted. Eligible cases are recommended for sanction based on completion date.

Documents Required for Application

· Parcha copy/Possession certificate.

· Aadhaar card.

· Copy of SC/ST certificate (if applicable).

· Copy of Bank Passbook.

· No Objection Certificate from panchayats (if land is not in the beneficiary’s name).

FAQs About the Scheme

1. Who is eligible?
Individual growers and farmer groups in specific North-Eastern regions.

2. What is the subsidy?
Up to ₹3 per seedling for general category and ₹6.75 for SC/ST.

3. How do I apply?
Through Field Offices with required documents.

4. What documents are needed?
Land documents, Aadhaar, caste certificate, bank passbook, and NOC.

5. Is there technical support?
Yes, field staff provides guidance.

Why Should You Apply for the Scheme?

This scheme provides crucial financial assistance and technical guidance to establish certified large cardamom nurseries. By ensuring the availability of high-quality seedlings, farmers can improve their production, access better markets, and boost their income.

Conclusion

The Large Cardamom Certified Nursery (Unit) scheme is a significant initiative that supports the production and export of high-quality large cardamom. By providing subsidies and technical support, the scheme contributes to the economic development of farmers and enhances the competitiveness of the Indian spice industry.