Development Of Spices In North Eastern States

 
Working Procedure
Organic Cultivation Of Ginger
 
During the X Plan, it was proposed to cover 1000 ha. under the scheme for organic cultivation of ginger, with a financial target of Rs. 137.50 lakhs, ie. Rs. 125.00 lakhs for paying subsidy and Rs. 12.50 lakhs for NGO support / training cost. During 2002-03, an area of 25 ha. have been already covered and a sum of Rs. 3,12,500/- is due.
Remaining area of 975 ha. would be covered in the following manner:-
Year
Physical in ha.
Subsidy (Rs. In lakhs)
NGO support / training cost (Rs. in lakhs)
Total Outlay (Rs. in lakhs)
2003-04
100
12.50
2.50
15.00
2004-05
200
25.00
2.50
27.50
2005-06
300
37.50
2.50
40.00
2006-07
375
46.88
2.50
49.38
Total
975
121.88
10.00
131.88*
* Rs. 2.5 lakhs saved out of NGO / training support may be used in the subsequent years for certification etc.

1.
Ginger varieties like Nadia, China and local varieties would be used.
2.
Farmers should be selected on a cluster basis in traditional ginger growing villages of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
3.
The scheme would be implemented with the help of NGOs / State Departments wherever possible, for providing training to farmers on organic farming, helping the farmers in maintaining farm records, supervision and maintenance of organic ginger farms.
4.
Seed materials have to be procured from organic farms or in the absence, from traditional farms during the first year at the rate of 2000 kg/ha. by the beneficiary farmer at his own responsibility.
5.
Farmers who are willing to participate in the scheme for a minimum period of 4 years in one village on a cluster basis will be selected and an undertaking in writing has to be submitted along with the application.
6.
Operations are to be carried out strictly as per NSOP standards.
7.
Accredited inspection and certifying agencies would be contacted for taking up organic certification well in time and the payment towards certification will be paid by the Spices Board.
8.
The total subsidy including cost of organic certification is Rs. 12,500/-per ha. After meeting the cost of certification charges, balance amount would be disbursed to the farmers in two instalments, first immediately after sowing and the second at the time of harvest.
9.
Manufacturers of oil and oleoresin and exporters would be informed of the availability of organic ginger.
10.
Farmers have to preserve seed material for the next season crop at the rate of 2000 kg/ha.
11.
N.G.Os having very good past records / reputation would be selected for organizing the training programmes, helping farmers for cultivation of organic ginger and helping farmers in maintenance of records, wherever it is possible and in other places, Board will implement the scheme directly. In such cases, the farmers should sign an MOU with the NGO and the NGO with the Board regarding the willingness to continue organic farming practices in the same plot for a minimum period of 4 years, ie. the scheme period and beyond.
12.
Spices Board does not take any responsibility for the marketing of the produces or assure any floor / minimum price. However, Board would provide market information and act as a facilitator to organize farmer – trader meetings.