Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom: Large Cardamom Irrigation Land Development: Irrigation / Water Storage Structures (Nos)

Spices Board has opened applications for the Large Cardamom Irrigation Land Development component under the SPICED scheme for 2026-27. The component gives financial support to large cardamom growers for building water storage structures, rainwater harvesting systems and irrigation equipment, so that plantations get enough water through the dry months.

SPICED stands for Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development. It replaced the earlier Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom. The scheme was approved for the 15th Finance Commission cycle up to 2025-26 and has been extended up to 30 September 2026 or until a new scheme for the 16th Finance Commission cycle is approved, whichever comes first.

Large Cardamom Irrigation Land Development: Irrigation / Water Storage Structures

This component, run by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, comes under the Improving Productivity of Cardamom (Small and Large) part of the SPICED scheme. It helps growers develop modern irrigation infrastructure by paying a part of the cost of building water storage and rainwater harvesting systems. With better access to water, plants stay healthy through summer, which raises both the yield and the market quality of large cardamom.

Applications for 2026-27 opened on 1 July 2026 and will stay open till 31 August 2026. Growers must apply online through the ServicePlus portal, and cases are processed on a first-come-first-serve basis after a site inspection by Spices Board officials.

Key Information

Benefits

Financial support is given as a percentage of the construction cost, with a fixed upper limit per unit.

• General Category: 50% of the construction cost, capped at ₹30,000 per unit.
• SC/ST Category: 75% of the construction cost, capped at ₹45,000 per unit.
• Specifications: to get the maximum subsidy, the irrigation structure must have a minimum capacity of 25 cubic meters.
• Note: This is a one-time benefit; growers who have already taken this support cannot apply again.

Eligibility

Only large cardamom growers in the certified growing regions can apply for this support.

• Applicants must be large cardamom growers based in Sikkim, the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, or other North Eastern States.
• The land holding size must be between 0.10 hectares and 8 hectares.
• Construction must follow all local environmental rules and must not block natural water streams or disturb local communities.
• Applicants must allow their sites to be inspected by officials to make sure all scheme rules are followed.

Application Process

Applicants must apply online through the ServicePlus portal used by Spices Board for the SPICED scheme. Small growers who cannot apply online can hand over physical applications at the nearest Spices Board field office, which will be uploaded within 7 days.

STEP 1 - Go to the ServicePlus portal at serviceonline.gov.in/dbt and register or log in with your credentials.

STEP 2 - Select the SPICED scheme and choose the Large Cardamom Irrigation Land Development component from the list of programmes under Improving Productivity of Cardamom.

STEP 3 - Fill in the application form with your personal details, land information, proposed structure details and bank account details.

STEP 4 - Upload scanned copies of all required documents, including the plan and estimate prepared by a licensed civil engineer.

STEP 5 - Submit the application online and note the application ID for tracking. Spices Board officials will inspect the site and recommend eligible cases for subsidy sanction.

Documents

Keep these documents ready before starting the online application.

• Land ownership proof or legal possession documents (Parcha).
• Aadhaar card.
• Copy of Bank Pass Book.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local Panchayat if the land is not in the applicant's name.
• Detailed construction plan and cost estimate prepared by a qualified or government-licensed civil engineer, based on government-approved rates.

References

Official Scheme Guidelines

SPICED Scheme Programmes and Application Links for 2026-27

SPICED Scheme Guidelines PDF

ServicePlus Digital Application Portal

Spices Board Invites Applications Under SPICED Scheme for 2026-27 (The Hindu BusinessLine)

FAQ's

What is the primary objective of this component?

The component encourages large cardamom growers to expand irrigation coverage by providing financial support for constructing water storage and rainwater harvesting systems, which improves crop yield and quality.

Who qualifies to apply for this support?

Large cardamom growers with land holdings between 0.10 hectares and 8 hectares are eligible, provided they live in certified growing regions like Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, or other North Eastern States.

Are there specific construction requirements?

Yes, structures must have a minimum capacity of 25 cubic meters, and plans must be validated by a licensed civil engineer according to official approved rates.

Can I apply if my irrigation project blocks a stream?

No, constructions that block natural water flow or are found objectionable by local authorities are strictly not allowed.

How is the benefit delivered?

The benefit is a subsidy given after a successful site inspection by an official, confirming that the structure meets all technical and safety standards.

What is the application deadline for 2026-27?

Applications opened on 1 July 2026 and the last date to apply is 31 August 2026. Apply early as cases are processed on a first-come-first-serve basis.