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Source – This post on Spices Board is based on the article “Spices Board Unveils Comprehensive Scheme to Boost Spices Export and Cardamom Productivity” published in PIB on 25th September 2024.
Why in News?
The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has unveiled a comprehensive scheme titled ‘Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED)’.
About Spices Board
1. The Spices Board is autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices.
2. It was constituted in 1987 under the Spices Board Act 1986 with the merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board (1968) and Spices Export Promotion Council (1960).
3.. The board’s primary functions include the regulation of the quality and marketing of spices and the development of spice crops through research, development, and promotion of Indian spices both domestically and internationally.
4. It is responsible for the export promotion of the 52 scheduled spices and development of Cardamom (Small & Large).
Key Responsibilities:
1. R&D: Improves spice cultivation, processing, and packaging through research.
2. Quality Control: Maintains international standards and offers certifications.
3. Export Promotion: Boosts global spice exports via financial aid and trade events.]
4. Innovation: Supports value-added spice products like oils and extracts.
5. Training: Provides training on better farming and quality methods.
6. Market Intelligence: Shares data on spice production, prices, and trends.
About SPICED scheme
1. Launched by: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
2. Aim: The SPICED scheme aims to:
Drive innovation and sustainability in the spice sector.
Improve value addition for spices and spice products.
Enhance the productivity of cardamom (both small and large varieties).
Upgrade post-harvest quality standards of spices.
3. Duration: The scheme will be implemented during the 15th Finance Commission cycle, ending in FY 2025-26.
4. Beneficiary Focus: The scheme prioritizes assistance to farmers’ Groups (FPOs, FPCs, SHGs), SC/ST Communities and SMEs (Particularly from the North-Eastern regions) and Exporters.
Key Programs Under the Scheme:
1. Mission Value Addition: Focuses on enhancing the value-added production of spices for export.
2. Mission Clean and Safe Spices: It aims to improve post-harvest processes, ensuring clean, safe, and exportable spices.
3. Promotion of GI (Geographical Indication) Spices: It supports branding and marketing of GI-tagged spices both domestically and globally.
4. Spice Incubation Centres: It provides support for entrepreneurship through incubation centres, fostering innovation for startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs in the spice sector.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
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