Development Of Spices In North Eastern States
 
Working Procedure
Large Cardamom Development

As per X Plan proposal, it is proposed to extent cultivation of Large Cardamom in 1700 ha. with an outlay of Rs. 287.80 lakhs towards planting material production and paying subsidy to the beneficiaries. The states tentatively selected and the area proposed to be covered are given below:-

 
10th Plan period
During 2003-04
Arunachal Pradesh
400 ha.
50 ha.
Meghalaya
250 ha.
30 ha.
Manipur
250 ha.
10 ha.
Mizoram
400 ha.
40 ha.
Nagaland
400 ha.
30 ha.
Total
1700 ha.
160 ha.
The year-wise targets of the scheme proposed are as follows:-
Year
Physical Target(in ha.)
Planting material production cost (Rs. in lakhs)
Subsidy cost (Rs. in lakhs)
Financial Target(Rs. in lakhs)
2002-03
--
20.00
--
20.00
2003-04
160
34.30
5.00
54.30
2004-05
250
72.00
14.00
74.00
2005-06
590
84.00
24.50
105.50
2006-07
700
--
34.00
34.00
Total
1700
210.30
77.50
287.80

The planting material required for large cardamom development is proposed to be generated through certified nurseries besides the efforts being made at ICRI Research Farm, Kabi. The working procedure and the operation of the certified nurseries is given in Appendix.

Working procedure for Large Cardamom Development in NE States
1.
Spices Board would provide a financial assistance of Rs. 17,500/- per ha. for meeting the expenditure on planting material maintenance, purchase of organic inputs, organic certification, etc.
2.
With the help of State Departments / NGOs, area suited for cultivation and beneficiaries would be selected.
3.
In order to facilitate effective supervision, organic certification, marketing etc., one or two villages in each state will be selected and the planting will be taken up in contiguous areas / compact blocks. Minimum eligible area is 0.2 ha. and maximum 4 ha. The Spices Board from the certified nurseries will provide planting materials / other sources and the cost will be adjusted against the subsidy. Prior arrangements will be made for organic certification by the Spices Board and the cost will be paid by Spices Board from the amount earmarked under subsidy.
4.
Plant population per ha. is 4000. Spices Board would provide assistance to the farmers for the production of inputs like vermicompost and training to the farmers on organic farming.
5.
A separate scheme for production of vermi compost is implemented by the Board and the farmers selected under this scheme will be given preference in allotment of vermicompost units.
6.
Farmers who are willing to participate in the scheme for a minimum period of 10 years will only be selected. An undertaking in writing has to be submitted along with the application.
7.
Operations are to be carried out strictly as per NSOP.
8.
Accredited Inspection and certifying agencies could be contacted for taking up organic certification well in time and the cost of certification will be paid by the Spices Board from the amount earmarked for subsidy.
9.
The entire expenditure towards planting materials, inputs like trichoderma, bio pesticides etc. and organic certification would be met from the amount earmarked as subsidy. The balance fund if any, would be paid to the beneficiaries in two yearly instalments.
10.
NGOs having very good past records / reputation would be selected wherever the scheme cannot be implemented fully by the Spices Board’s officials. In such cases, a retention fee of Rs. 25,000/- per year would be paid to the NGO selected under the scheme and the expenditure will be met from the subsidy earmarked.
11.
Wherever NGOs are engaged for implementing the scheme, farmers should sign an MOU with the NGO and the NGO with the Spices Board regarding willingness to participate in the scheme and continue organic farming practices for a minimum period of 10 years and beyond.
12.
Spices Board does not take any responsibility for marketing of the produce or assure any floor / minimum price. However, Board would provide market information and act as a facilitator to organize farmer-trader meetings.