AI SummaryOrganic Certification Groups is a component of the SPICED scheme implemented by Spices Board of India under Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It gives financial support to farmer groups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to obtain organic certification for their farms, which is a required step for marketing and export of organic spices.
SPICED stands for Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development. Spices Board has opened applications for the 2026-27 year, and eligible groups can apply online from 1 July 2026 to 31 August 2026.
Organic Certification Groups under SPICED Scheme - Introduction
Organic Certification Groups works as a part of the SPICED scheme of Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The SPICED scheme replaced the earlier Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom, which ran during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
The SPICED scheme has been extended up to 30 September 2026 or until the date of approval of the proposed scheme for the 16th Finance Commission cycle, whichever comes earlier. Within this scheme, the Organic Certification Groups component continues to support spice growers by subsidizing the cost of organic certification.
The main aim is to help spice growers get certified organic produce, so they can reach national and international markets that ask for certified organic spices. Financial support is given through direct benefit transfer once the certification work is complete.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | SPICED - Organic Certification Groups |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary Type | Farmer Groups / FPOs |
| Coverage | All India |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment, Business & Entrepreneurship |
| Benefit Type | Financial assistance |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Application Period | 1 July 2026 to 31 August 2026 |
Benefits
The scheme gives financial support based on where the farmer group is located. The amount is paid after the certification is done and the required documents are submitted.
- Other States (ONER): 50% of certification cost, capped at ₹ 1,50,000 per group.
- North Eastern Region (NER): 90% of certification cost, capped at ₹ 2,70,000 per group.
Selection priority is given to groups that already produce organic spices, and to groups where more than 50% of the listed farmers follow organic spice cultivation practices. A group or FPO can receive this support up to three times within the block period, subject to availability of funds.
Eligibility
The scheme is open to farmer groups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across all spice-growing states and Union Territories in India. A group must be a legal entity such as a registered society, FPO, FPC, SHG or similar body to apply.
Spices Board keeps the right to carry out site inspections at any point in the certification chain, before or after providing the support, to make sure the organic standards are followed.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026-27 year are submitted online through the Service Plus module of the Spices Board. The steps to apply are given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official Service Plus portal at Service Plus portal.
STEP 2 - Choose the Register option if you are a new user. Fill in your name, mobile number and email ID, and verify the details through OTP.
STEP 3 - After registration, log in using your user ID and password.
STEP 4 - Find the Organic Certification Groups component from the list of services under the SPICED scheme.
STEP 5 - Fill the application form with all the required project details and upload the supporting documents.
STEP 6 - Submit the form and keep a copy of the acknowledgement for future reference.
Documents
Applicants need to keep the following documents ready before filling the online form.
- Official tariff card and cost estimation from the Certification Body (CB).
- Payment invoices and receipts issued by the Certification Body.
- A copy of the Scope Certificate along with all relevant annexures.
- The approved list of farmers registered with the Certification Body.
References
FAQ's
What is the main objective of this scheme?
It helps farmer groups and FPOs cover the cost of organic farm certification so they can market and export certified organic spices.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any FPO or group of farmers involved in spice cultivation across India that meets the organic certification criteria can apply.
How is the financial support calculated?
For NER groups it covers 90% of the cost up to ₹ 2,70,000. For other groups it covers 50% of the cost up to ₹ 1,50,000.
Can a group apply multiple times?
Yes, a group can receive support up to three times within the block period, subject to the availability of funds.
Is physical verification required?
Spices Board reserves the right to conduct inspections at any stage before or after providing the support to make sure organic standards are followed.