Spices Board rolls out financial assistance to growers

KOCHI: As part of its plans to improve export oriented production of small cardamom and to improve post harvest process of other spices, the Spices Board has decided to provide financial assistance to farmers for irrigation, land development, mechanization, replanting, soil conservation and organic farming of various spices.

Under the new scheme, small cardamom cultivators in Kerala and Tamil Nadu will receive up to Rs 70,000 for replanting while farmers in Karnataka will get up to Rs 50,000. They will also receive aid for planting material production.

To help small cardamom farmers in the three southern states in irrigation and land development, the board will provide financial assistance up to 25 % of actual cost of acquiring irrigation equipment and up to 50 % for water storage structure. For soil conservation, they will get funding up to 25 per cent. The farmers will also get financial assistance in rainwater harvesting, for curing devices etc.

"The eligibility criteria for availing themselves of the benefits are based on land held by grower and is different for each programme," said Spices Board chairman A Jayathilak.

The board’s plans also include assistance for post-harvest process of spices particularly pepper, chilli and mint in the spice producing states in the country. As part of the farm mechanization programme, the spice growers will receive 50 per cent subsidy for purchasing equipment. The board is also providing financial aid to organic farmers for getting organic certification