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Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom: New Subcomponents: Basic quality testing of spices

#Entrepreneurs#Agriculture#Farmers#Spices Board

About this scheme

The Basic Quality Testing of Spices subcomponent is part of the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom, implemented by the Spices Board, India, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
Based on consultations with various R&D institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and entrepreneurs, it was found that devices for instant basic quality testing, such as moisture content meters and curcumin content testers for turmeric, have been developed and are being used by some groups and institutions. To help farmers assess the basic quality of their spice produce before trading, increase their confidence in negotiating prices, and ensure they receive a fair share for their efforts in improving and maintaining product quality, such devices are required at the field level.
The scheme is being implemented in accordance with the modalities and guidelines approved by the Competent Authority under the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–22 to 2025–26).

Benefits

50% of the cost subject to a maximum of ₹10.00 Lakh for basic quality testing at AMC/APMC yards and 75% for Spice Producer's Groups subjected to maximum of ₹ 15.00 Lakh. Eligibility will be for spice trading centers legally existing spice producing or spice handling or spice trading groups. Assistance will be extended based on MoU with Spices Board.


Who is Eligible

  1. All spice growing States and regions in India.
  2. All spice growing States and regions in India preferably in the ODOP (One District One Product) and clusters of Spices under AEP of MoC and operational area of collaborative national and international projects of Spices Board
  3. On receipt of application with documents, the Officer concerned will visit the Reg. Office of the AMC/APMC/group and evaluate the status, facility and arrangements available with the group for taking up the activity component successfully.
  4. Eligible application will be recommended to Divisional Officer/Regional Officer as the case may be for further scrutiny and issue of permission letter to sign MoU with the Board. Recommending Officer will arrange signing of MoU and collection of documents proving purchase and physically verify the installation of the equipment/device and recommend Eligible case for sanction of assistance.
  5. The AMC/APMC/group also need to enter into MoU with the supplying firm on annual maintenance of device, training of man power for operating the device and collection of any software charges etc. which is to be ensured by the officers concerned of the Board before recommending the case.

How to Apply

Online

Registration
Step 1: The applicant should visit the ServicesPlus website.
Step 2: Click on the “Register” option on the homepage.
Step 3: Fill out the registration form by entering Full Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, Password, selecting State, and Captcha.
Step 4: Review all details carefully and submit the registration form.
Step 5: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number or email; enter the OTP and click “Verify.”
Step 6: Registration will be completed successfully, and a confirmation message will be displayed or sent via email.
Login
Step 1: The applicant should visit the ServicesPlus website and click on “Login.”
Step 2: Enter your Email ID, Password, and Captcha.
Step 3: Select the relevant service/scheme name.
Step 4: Fill in the required details in the application form.
Step 5: Submit the application.

Documents Required

  1. Aadhaar Card
  2. Bank Passbook (first page)
  3. Invoice/Bill for the quality testing device
  4. Proof of purchase of the quality testing device

Who Is Not Eligible


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Basic Quality Testing of Spices scheme?

It is a subcomponent of the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom that provides financial assistance for setting up basic quality testing facilities for spices.

What is the objective of the scheme?

The scheme aims to promote field-level basic quality testing of spices so that farmers can assess the quality of their produce, negotiate better prices, and receive fair value.

Which organization implements the scheme?

The scheme is implemented by the Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Who is eligible to apply?

Legally existing AMC/APMCs, spice trading centres, spice-producing groups, spice-handling groups, and spice trading groups are eligible to apply.

Which areas are covered under the scheme?

The scheme is available in all spice-growing States and regions of India, with preference given to ODOP (One District One Product) areas, Spice Clusters under AEP of the Ministry of Commerce, and operational areas of collaborative national and international projects of the Spices Board.

What types of quality testing devices are supported?

The scheme supports devices for instant basic quality testing, such as moisture meters, curcumin content testing devices for turmeric, and similar spice quality testing equipment.

Is an MoU with the Spices Board mandatory?

Yes. Financial assistance is provided only after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Spices Board.

How is the application evaluated?

After receiving the application and supporting documents, the concerned officer visits the applicant's premises to assess the available facilities and verify readiness for implementation.

What happens after the inspection?

Eligible applications are recommended to the Divisional Officer/Regional Officer for further scrutiny and issuance of a permission letter to sign the MoU.

Is an annual maintenance agreement required?

Yes. The applicant must sign an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) with the equipment supplier covering maintenance, operator training, and applicable software support.

Why are basic quality testing devices important?

They help assess the quality of spice produce before trading, improving farmers' confidence in price negotiations and ensuring better returns for quality produce.

Can Spice Producer's Groups receive higher assistance?

Yes. Spice Producer's Groups are eligible for 75% financial assistance, subject to a maximum of ₹15 lakh.

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