Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom: Export Oriented Production: Large Cardamom Replanting/New Planting

Large Cardamom Replanting and New Planting scheme supports large cardamom growers by encouraging the systematic replanting and new planting of crops using high-yielding, disease-free planting materials. Managed by the Spices Board of India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this component offers cash subsidy to replace old and low-yield plants with better varieties.

The scheme now runs under the SPICED scheme (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) for the financial year 2026-27. SPICED replaced the earlier Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices, and it has been extended up to 30 September 2026 or until the new scheme for the 16th Finance Commission cycle gets approved, whichever comes first. Applications for 2026-27 opened on 1 July 2026 and the last date to apply is 31 August 2026.

Large Cardamom Replanting and New Planting Scheme - Key Details

The main aim is to motivate growers to adopt replanting in a systematic way to increase productivity using high-yielding, disease-free planting materials. The Spices Board provides direct financial support through DBT to cover part of the cost of cultivation, based on the country's general and SC/ST categories.

Benefits

Growers who are eligible get a cash subsidy based on their category to help meet the cost of cultivation.

• General Category: 33.33% of the cost of cultivation, subject to a maximum of ₹33,600 per hectare, payable in two annual installments of ₹16,800 each.
• SC/ST Category: 75% of the cost of cultivation, subject to a maximum of ₹75,000 per hectare, payable in two annual installments of ₹37,500 each.

The subsidy is given for a minimum area of 0.10 hectare. Total lifetime eligibility is capped at 8.00 hectares, and a grower may claim subsidy for up to 4.00 hectares per financial year, since replanting has to be done in a phased manner. The same area can be claimed again only after 8 years, except in cases of natural calamities.

Eligibility

Anyone who wants to apply should check the conditions given below before starting.

• Applicants must be small or marginal growers owning up to 8 hectares of land.
• The scheme is available to farmers in Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and North Eastern states.
• Replanting or new planting must be done in a minimum contiguous area of 0.10 hectare.
• The plantation must keep a minimum population of 4,000 plants per hectare with 5 × 5 feet spacing.
• The area must be open to inspection by Spices Board officials.

Application Process

Applications for 2026-27 are submitted online through the ServicePlus portal, with the last date on 31 August 2026. The steps to apply are given below.

STEP 1 - Go to the official ServicePlus portal and select the Register option if you are a new user. Provide your personal details, email and mobile number.

STEP 2 - Verify your registration using the OTP sent to your mobile or email, then log in with your credentials.

STEP 3 - Choose the SPICED scheme and select the Large Cardamom Replanting and New Planting component from the list of programmes.

STEP 4 - Fill in the application form with your details, land information, area proposed for replanting or new planting, and bank account details for the DBT payment.

STEP 5 - Upload scanned copies of the required documents and submit the application. You will get an application number for tracking.

STEP 6 - Spices Board field officials inspect the land and recommend eligible cases for sanction. Subsidy is paid through DBT after the final inspection and verification.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before filling the application form.

• Proof of land possession, such as Parcha copy or possession certificate.
• Survey plan or self-attested land map.
• Aadhaar card.
• SC/ST certificate, if applicable.
• Copy of bank passbook.
• No Objection Certificate from the panchayat if the land is not in your name.

References

• Spices Board Official Guidelines for Export Oriented Production
• SPICED Scheme Programmes on Spices Board
• Official SPICED Scheme 2026-27 Notice (PDF)
• Spices Board Invites Applications Under SPICED Scheme for 2026-27 - The Hindu BusinessLine

FAQ's

Which scheme runs this large cardamom replanting component now?

It now runs under the SPICED scheme. SPICED replaced the earlier Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices and is valid for 2026-27.

Is there a minimum area requirement to participate?

Yes, participants must carry out replanting or new planting in a minimum contiguous area of 0.10 hectare.

What is the subsidy rate for SC/ST farmers?

SC/ST farmers are eligible for 75% of the cost of cultivation, capped at ₹75,000 per hectare.

Can I claim subsidies for my entire 8-hectare farm in one year?

No. You can claim the subsidy for a maximum of 4 hectares per financial year until you reach the total 8-hectare limit.

When is the last date to apply for 2026-27?

Applications opened on 1 July 2026 and the last date to apply is 31 August 2026.

How is the subsidy disbursed?

The subsidy is released in two equal annual installments through DBT after verification by board officials.