.:: SPICES BOARD INDIA, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India. ::.

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Production Development

Development Of Spices In North Eastern States » Working procedures » Organic Cultivation Of Lakadong Turmeric

During the X Plan, it was proposed to cover 1000 ha. under the scheme for organic cultivation of Lakadong Turmeric with a financial target of Rs. 137.50 lakhs, i.e. Rs. 125.00 lakhs for paying subsidy and Rs. 12.50 lakhs for NGO support / training cost. Implementation could not be commenced during 2002-03 for want of approval for the Scheme.

The revised schedule of implementation is as follows:-

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	250	31.50	2.50	33.75
2005-06	300	37.50	2.50	40.00
2006-07	350	43.75	2.50	46.25
Total	1000	125.25	10.00	135.00*

* Rs. 2.5 lakhs saved out of NGO / training support may be used in the subsequent years for certification etc.

1.	Lakadong Turmeric, which is having high curcumin content, would be used for cultivation under the scheme.
2.	The scheme has to be implemented in traditional turmeric-growing villages in Meghalaya and the farmers have to be selected on a cluster basis.
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 lakadong turmeric 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/her 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 grant in aid from Spices Board towards organic certification and additional incentive to farmers would be Rs. 12,500/-per ha. After meeting the cost of certification charges, balance amount would be disbursed as subsidy to the farmers in two instalments, first 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 turmeric.
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 turmeric and in the 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/Board 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.