The Spices Board India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry runs the SPICED Scheme to help farmer groups and FPOs set up organic certification through Internal Control Systems, covering training, documentation, group management, and inspection support.
The scheme supports grower groups in understanding organic regulations, following certification procedures, attending training sessions, maintaining proper records, and managing internal inspections. The SPICED Scheme was approved for the 15th Finance Commission period and has been extended up to 30th September 2026 or until the new scheme under the 16th Finance Commission gets approved, whichever comes first.
SPICED Scheme - Organic Farming Internal Control System
The Spices Board India implements the SPICED Scheme (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) as a replacement for the earlier Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices. Within this framework, the Internal Control System component provides financial assistance to grower groups and Farmer Producer Organizations for group certification purposes.
This initiative helps farmers form groups, understand organic regulations, follow certification procedures, attend training, maintain documentation, and manage internal inspections. The scheme operates during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26) following official guidelines, with applications for FY 2026-27 starting from 1st July 2026 and the last date for submission being 31st August 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | SPICED Scheme - Organic Farming Internal Control System |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment, Business and Entrepreneurship |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Last Date for Application | 31st August 2026 |
Benefits
The scheme provides the following financial assistance to eligible groups:
- For ONER groups: 50 percent of costs up to a maximum of ₹1,12,000.
- For NER groups: 75 percent of costs up to a maximum of ₹1,68,000.
Eligibility
This scheme is available to spice-growing regions across all Indian states and Union Territories. To qualify, please note the following conditions:
- The Spices Board India reserves the right to conduct status checks at any stage of the chain of custody.
- An Internal Control System may receive assistance a maximum of three times within the 2021-22 to 2025-26 block period, subject to fund availability.
Selection Priority:
- Priority is given to grower groups and Internal Control Systems actively producing organic spices.
- Further priority is granted to groups where more than 50 percent of the farmers on the approved list produce organic spices under any cropping system.
Application Process
Online Application
Applicants must follow these steps via the government portal:
STEP 1 - Visit the ServicePlus website at serviceonline.gov.in/dbt/ if you are applying under development programs like ICS groups.
STEP 2 - Complete the registration form using your mobile number, email, and personal details if you are a new user.
STEP 3 - Verify your account using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number or email.
STEP 4 - Log in to the services portal using your credentials and select the relevant spice scheme program.
STEP 5 - Fill in the application form with all required details and submit it before the deadline of 31st August 2026.
Documents
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Tariff of the Certification Body and the official estimation for certification.
- Invoice or payment advice issued by the Certification Body.
- Proof of payments made via bills or receipts.
- Copy of the Scope Certificate including all annexures.
- Approved farmer list verified by the Certification Body.
- Statement of costs for organizing the Internal Control System for the season, certified by the Manager and countersigned by the Mandator, along with proof of expenditure.
References
SPICED Scheme Guidelines - Spices Board
Notice Inviting Applications - SPICED Scheme 2026-27
Official Application Portal - ServicePlus
FAQ's
What is the objective of the Internal Control System assistance?
The objective is to support farmer groups in establishing certification for organic spices by assisting with group formation, regulatory awareness, documentation, and internal inspections.
Which ministry runs this program?
The scheme is managed by the Spices Board India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
How many times can a group apply for aid?
Groups can receive funding up to three times during the five-year block period from 2021 to 2026, depending on the availability of funds.
Is there a specific preference for applicants?
Yes, priority is given to groups already producing organic spices and those with over 50 percent of their listed farmers engaged in organic cultivation.
Does the Spices Board verify performance?
Yes, the Board reserves the right to conduct inspections at any point in the chain of custody.
What is a Scope Certificate?
A Scope Certificate is the official document issued by a Certification Body confirming that the grower group adheres to all prescribed organic standards.
When is the last date to apply for FY 2026-27?
The last date for submission of applications under the SPICED Scheme for FY 2026-27 is 31st August 2026.