AI SummarySmall Cardamom Irrigation Land Development: Irrigation / Water Storage Structure is a central government scheme run by the Spices Board of India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It gives financial support to small cardamom growers in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to build irrigation and water storage structures, which helps bring more land under irrigation and improves the productivity and quality of small cardamom.
Spices Board has opened applications for this component under the SPICED scheme for the financial year 2026-27. Farmers can apply online from 1 July 2026 and the last date for submission of applications is 31 August 2026.
SPICED Scheme: Small Cardamom Irrigation and Water Storage Structure
This component was earlier run under the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom. It is now part of SPICED, which stands for Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development. The SPICED scheme was approved for the 15th Finance Commission cycle and has been extended up to 30 September 2026 or until the new scheme for the 16th Finance Commission cycle is approved, whichever comes first.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Small Cardamom Irrigation Land Development: Irrigation / Water Storage Structure (nos) |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Application Dates | 1 July 2026 to 31 August 2026 |
Benefits
Eligible farmers get the following financial support to build water storage structures on their cardamom land:
- General Category: 50% of the construction cost, up to a maximum of ₹30,000 per unit.
- SC/ST Category: 75% of the construction cost, up to a maximum of ₹45,000 per unit.
- Requirement: The structure must have a minimum capacity of 25 cubic meters to qualify for the maximum subsidy.
- Restriction: Farmers who have already availed of this benefit are not eligible to apply again.
Eligibility
To apply under this component, growers must meet the following conditions:
- Applicants must be registered small cardamom growers.
- Land holding size must be up to 4 hectares.
- The grower must reside in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or Karnataka.
- Proposed structures must not block natural water flow or cause disputes within the local community.
- Projects are subject to final inspection and approval by designated officials.
Application Process
Online Registration and Application
Applicants must apply through the official ServicePlus portal. The full process is given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the official ServicePlus website and click on the Register link to create an account using your mobile number and email ID.
STEP 2 - Verify your account using the OTP sent to your registered contact details.
STEP 3 - Once registered, log in to the ServicePlus login portal.
STEP 4 - Select the specific scheme name from the list and fill in the required application form with accurate details.
STEP 5 - Submit the application along with all the required supporting documents before the last date of 31 August 2026.
Documents
Applicants must keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Land ownership documents (Patta).
- Current year land tax receipt, RTC, or Chitta adangal.
- CR/ACR/CDRC endorsement.
- Aadhaar card.
- Bank passbook copy.
- A detailed plan and estimate for the construction, prepared by a licensed or government civil engineer based on government-approved rates.
References
Notice Inviting Applications 2026-27
FAQ's
What is the objective of this scheme?
The scheme encourages small cardamom growers to develop water storage structures to maintain soil moisture, thereby improving crop productivity and quality.
Who is eligible to apply?
Registered cardamom growers in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu owning land up to 4 hectares may apply.
Is there a specific capacity requirement for the storage structure?
Yes, the structure must have a minimum capacity of 25 cubic meters to be eligible for the maximum subsidy amount.
Can a beneficiary apply more than once?
No, this is a one-time benefit; farmers who have already received support for this specific structure are not eligible to re-apply.
What is the last date to apply for 2026-27?
Applications opened on 1 July 2026 and the last date for submission is 31 August 2026.
Are there restrictions on the location of the structure?
Yes, the construction must not obstruct natural water streams or face objections from local authorities or community members.
How is the construction estimate prepared?
The estimate must be created by a qualified, registered, or government-licensed civil engineer and must follow standard government-approved construction rates.