Spices Board has invited applications for 2026-27 under the SPICED Scheme for the Small Cardamom Irrigation Land Development: Rain Water Harvesting Structure component. This component helps registered small cardamom growers in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka bring more area under irrigation and improve crop productivity.
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, which was implemented during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
SPICED Scheme Small Cardamom Rain Water Harvesting Structure
The main aim of this component is to motivate small cardamom growers to build rain water harvesting structures on their fields. By collecting water from direct rainfall and surface runoff, farmers can bring more area under irrigation and improve the productivity and quality of small cardamom.
Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, runs the SPICED Scheme. The scheme has been extended up to 30 September 2026 or until the approval of the proposed scheme for the 16th Finance Commission cycle, whichever is earlier. Applications for the year 2026-27 are open and eligible growers can apply through the official process.
The financial support is given for a standard 200 cubic meter capacity structure lined with a silpauline sheet. For smaller capacities, the assistance is limited in proportion to the water holding capacity. Growers can harvest water from direct rainfall as well as surface runoff, provided they do not block the natural flow of water including streams.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | SPICED Scheme: Small Cardamom Irrigation Land Development: Rain Water Harvesting Structure |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual growers |
| Beneficiary States | Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Benefit Type | Financial support |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
Benefits
The financial support under this component is given based on the category of the applicant:
- General category applicants get 33.33% of the construction cost, capped at ₹18,000 per structure.
- SC/ST applicants get 75% of the construction cost, capped at ₹40,000 per structure.
- Support is given for a standard 200 cubic meter capacity structure lined with a silpauline sheet. For smaller structures, the amount is limited in proportion to the water holding capacity.
- Growers can harvest water from direct rainfall and surface runoff, as long as they do not block the natural flow of water or streams.
Eligibility
Applicants need to meet the following conditions to apply:
- Must be a registered small cardamom grower under Spices Board guidelines.
- Land holding size must be between 0.10 hectares and 8 hectares.
- The structure must not block any natural flow of water, streams or drainage channels.
- The proposed structure must not face any objection from the local community or authorities.
- Cases are approved only after a mandatory inspection by designated officials.
Application Process
Applications for the SPICED Scheme are submitted online through the ServicesPlus portal of the Government of India. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the official ServicesPlus portal and click on the Register option if you are a new user.
STEP 2 - Provide your name, email, mobile number and state details to complete the registration.
STEP 3 - Verify your account using the OTP sent to your mobile or email.
STEP 4 - Log in to the portal using your credentials once registration is complete.
STEP 5 - Go to the relevant scheme section, fill in the application form correctly and upload the required supporting documents.
STEP 6 - Submit the application and keep the reference number for future tracking.
Documents
Applicants must keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Proof of land ownership or legal possession such as Patta
- Current year land tax receipt, RTC or Chitta Adangal
- CR/ACR/CDRC endorsement
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook details
References
For more information, please visit these official resources:
FAQ's
What is the objective of this scheme?
The scheme helps small cardamom growers develop irrigation and land resources through rain water harvesting, which increases crop productivity and quality.
Who qualifies for the SC/ST benefit?
Registered SC/ST growers can get up to 75% of the construction cost, limited to ₹40,000 per structure.
Are there restrictions on water harvesting?
Yes. You cannot block natural streams, drainage channels or the natural flow of water, as this may create problems with the local community or authorities.
How is the assistance amount calculated for smaller structures?
Assistance is proportional to the water holding capacity if the structure is smaller than the standard 200 cubic meter design.
Is an inspection necessary?
Yes. Every structure must be inspected by Spices Board officials before the financial support is sanctioned.