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Centre Approves SPICED Scheme to Boost Spice Exports

Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED) is a Spices Board scheme.

• Aim: To increase the area under cardamom cultivation and improve the productivity of small and large cardamom, besides promoting spice exports, capacity building and skill development among stakeholders.
• Major components of the scheme: Productivity enhancement, post-harvest quality improvement, market expansion, trade promotion, technology interventions, research, capacity building and skill development.
• Implementation: The scheme is being implemented during the remaining period of the 15th Finance Commission, covering 2023-24 to 2025-26.
• Objective : To broaden cardamom cultivation, enhance the productivity of small and large cardamom, promote exports, and strengthen the skills and capacities of stakeholders.
• Key components of the scheme: Enhancing productivity, upgrading post-harvest quality, expanding markets, promoting trade, advancing technology, strengthening research, and building capacity and skills.
• Execution of the scheme: Over the remaining period of the 15th Finance Commission, from 2023-24 to 2025-26.

About Cardamom

Cardamom is primarily cultivated for its dried fruits, commonly known as capsules, which are used as a valuable spice.

Small Cardamom:

Origin: Native to the evergreen forest ecosystems of the Western Ghats in southern India.

Key producing states: Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the principal producers.

Suitable growing conditions:

Thrives in dense, shaded environments with well-drained, loamy and generally acidic soils.

Elevation: Performs well at altitudes of around 600–1,500 metres above sea level.

Drainage: Proper and efficient drainage is essential for healthy plant growth.

Large Cardamom:

Distribution: Predominantly cultivated across the Sub-Himalayan belt of North-Eastern India, as well as parts of Nepal and Bhutan.

Suitable growing conditions:

Requires high and well-distributed rainfall of around 3,000–3,500 mm, generally spread over nearly 200 days.

Temperature: Suitable temperatures range from approximately 6°C to 30°C.