This scheme is a sub-component of the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom, implemented by the Spice Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The objective is to promote the production of quality, disease-free planting materials (mother suckers/seeds) for replanting, thereby enhancing the overall quality and export potential of cardamom. The scheme targets individual growers and farmer groups with suitable land and nursery facilities, particularly in Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, as well as other North Eastern States.
Benefits
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For General Category:
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Subsidy of 33.33% of the cost of production at a rate of ₹3 per seedling.
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For SC/ST:
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Subsidy of 75% of the cost of production at a rate of ₹6.75 per seedling.
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Time of Payment:
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Subsidy payment is made in the year following the planting of mother suckers/seeds and successful production of suckers/seedlings.
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Mode of Payment:
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Payments are disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible beneficiaries.
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Eligibility
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Who Can Apply:
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Individual growers or farmer groups (legal entities such as Registered Societies, FPCs, FPOs, SHGs, SPS) having suitable land and nursery facilities.
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Geographical Area:
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The scheme operates in Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong districts of West Bengal and other North Eastern States.
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Nursery Allotment:
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Units are allocated in multiples of 500 seedlings, with a minimum of 1,000 and a maximum of 5,000 seedlings per beneficiary.
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Use of Planting Materials:
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Produced planting materials are intended for replanting/gap filling by the applicant; surplus is sold to neighboring or needy farmers at a price not exceeding market rates.
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Application Process
Offline Application
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Application Submission:
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Applicants must submit their application in the prescribed format (available in hard copy) along with the necessary document copies to the Field Offices in major spice-growing regions.
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Applications are entered into the system (GMS) and screened for eligibility.
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Additional Document Submission:
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If required, applicants will need to provide additional documents (e.g., SC/ST certificates, legal heirship certificates).
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Legal Entity Requirement for Farmer Groups:
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Farmer groups must be recognized as legal entities (e.g., Registered Society, FPC, FPO, SHG, or SPS) and execute an agreement with the Board on a ₹200 stamp paper.
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Inspection and Recommendation:
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A conditional permit order is issued by the field officers after preliminary inspection.
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A final inspection is conducted upon completion of the nursery activity, and the “first-come-first-serve” basis is used for sanctioning eligible cases.
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Eligible cases are then recommended to the competent authority for subsidy sanction.
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Application Portal:
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Beneficiaries can also access the scheme via UMANG for further updates and tracking.
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Documents Required
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Mandatory Documents:
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Prescribed application form (duplicate copy).
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Certificate of incorporation/registration, along with the memorandum and articles of association (for the collective/SHG/cooperative), issued by the appropriate authority.
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Complete list and details of members of the organization (as per Annexure 1).
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Member-wise details of coffee (or in this case, cardamom) sold, accompanying each subsidy claim.
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Certificate from the Growers’ Collective/SHG/Cooperative confirming membership.
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Certificate from the concerned State Government commercial tax department (VAT registration certificate), where applicable.
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Additional Documents (Based on Marketing Method):
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For Marketing via Auction Platforms/Commodity Exchanges:
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Registration certificate as a member of ICTA or another recognized marketing platform (one-time submission).
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Attested copy of the sale note issued by the auctioneer.
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For Direct Export:
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Export permit with Customs endorsement.
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ICO certificate of origin with Customs endorsement.
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Bill of Lading (BL).
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the main objective of the Large Cardamom Certified Nursery scheme?
The scheme aims to promote the production of high-quality, disease-free cardamom planting materials to enhance export-oriented production and improve overall crop quality. -
What is the benefit provided for the General Category?
General category beneficiaries receive a subsidy covering 33.33% of production costs at a rate of ₹3 per seedling. -
What is the benefit provided for SC/ST beneficiaries?
SC/ST beneficiaries receive a subsidy covering 75% of production costs at a rate of ₹6.75 per seedling. -
When is the subsidy payment made?
Subsidy is paid in the year following the planting of the mother suckers/seeds and after satisfactory production of suckers/seedlings. -
Who is eligible to participate in this scheme?
Eligible participants include individual growers or farmer groups (registered as legal entities) with suitable land and irrigation facilities in the designated regions (Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other NE States). -
How are units allotted to beneficiaries?
Units are allotted in multiples of 500 seedlings, with a minimum of 1,000 and a maximum of 5,000 seedlings per beneficiary. -
What is the role of the final inspection in this scheme?
Final inspections by designated officials ensure that the production of planting materials meets the required standards before subsidy disbursement. -
How is the eligible assistance paid to beneficiaries?
Assistance is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. -
What documents are required to apply?
Required documents include the application form, registration certificates, member lists, and additional documentation as per the marketing method (auction or export), among others. -
What are recognized public auction platforms, and why are they important?
These platforms, such as ICTA, ensure transparency and competitive bidding, leading to better price realization for the produce and supporting collective bargaining. -
Can individuals benefit from this scheme, or does it require collective action?
The scheme is designed for collective action; benefits are provided to registered groups such as cooperatives, SHGs, or farmer collectives. -
Is the scheme applicable to non-traditional coffee-growing areas?
No, this scheme is specifically targeted at traditional coffee-growing areas for cardamom. -
What is the significance of forming collectives or SHGs for coffee marketing?
Collectives enable small growers to pool resources, improve quality standards, reduce transaction costs, and enhance market bargaining power, thereby realizing better value for their produce.