The Spices Board has opened applications for the Large Cardamom Certified Nursery component under the SPICED scheme for 2026-27. The component provides financial support to farmers for setting up nurseries to produce quality, disease-free planting material for replanting. Individual growers and farmer groups in Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, and other Northeastern states can apply online through the ServicePlus portal from 1 July 2026, with the last date set as 31 August 2026.
The SPICED scheme (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) was originally approved for the 15th Finance Commission cycle up to 2025-26. It has now been extended up to 30 September 2026 or until the new scheme for the 16th Finance Commission cycle gets approved, whichever comes earlier. The Large Cardamom Certified Nursery falls under the Improving Productivity of Cardamom component of SPICED.
Large Cardamom Certified Nursery Under SPICED Scheme 2026-27
This component helps cardamom growers produce their own healthy seedlings for replanting instead of depending on external sources. The Spices Board provides direct financial assistance through DBT to cover part of the production cost. Field staff from the Board visit the nursery site to give technical guidance throughout the process. The scheme aims to improve the quality of large cardamom cultivation and boost export potential from the Northeast region.
Subsidy Rates and Benefit Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Large Cardamom Certified Nursery (Unit) under SPICED Scheme |
| Parent Scheme | Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED) |
| Component | Improving Productivity of Cardamom (Small & Large) |
| Implemented By | Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Beneficiaries | Individual growers and farmer groups (FPO, FPC, SHG, registered society) |
| States Covered | Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong (West Bengal), other Northeastern states |
| Subsidy - General Category | 33.33% of production cost, maximum ₹3 per seedling |
| Subsidy - SC/ST Category | 75% of production cost, maximum ₹6.75 per seedling |
| Unit Size | Multiples of 500, minimum 1,000 to maximum 5,000 seedlings per beneficiary |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account |
| Application Mode | Online via ServicePlus portal (serviceonline.gov.in/dbt) |
| Application Period 2026-27 | 1 July 2026 to 31 August 2026 |
| Official Website | www.indianspices.com |
Who Can Apply
Individual growers and farmer groups with suitable land and irrigation facilities for nursery development can apply. The scheme specifically covers Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, and other Northeastern states. Farmer groups must be registered legal entities such as FPO, FPC, SHG, or registered society. They also need to sign an agreement with the Spices Board on ₹200 stamp paper. A beneficiary can only avail this assistance once under the scheme.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting the online application:
- Parcha copy or possession certificate for the land where nursery will be set up
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- SC/ST certificate copy if applicable
- Updated bank passbook with account details for DBT payment
- No Objection Certificate from the panchayat if land is not registered in the applicant's name
How to Apply Online
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 Certified Nursery component from the list of available programmes.
STEP 3 - Fill in the application form with your personal details, land information, proposed nursery capacity (in multiples of 500, between 1,000 to 5,000 seedlings), and bank account details for DBT.
STEP 4 - Upload scanned copies of all required documents: parcha/possession certificate, Aadhaar card, SC/ST certificate if applicable, bank passbook, and panchayat NOC if needed.
STEP 5 - Submit the application online. You will receive an application ID for tracking. The date of submission determines your position in the first-come-first-serve queue for inspection and sanction.
STEP 6 - Spices Board field officials will conduct a preliminary inspection of your proposed nursery site. If found suitable, a conditional permit order will be issued.
STEP 7 - Start the nursery work as per the technical guidance provided by Board officials. They will make follow-up visits during the cultivation period.
STEP 8 - After completing the nursery work and achieving satisfactory production of healthy seedlings, inform the concerned Spices Board office in writing. A final inspection will be conducted.
STEP 9 - If the final inspection is successful, your case will be recommended for subsidy sanction on a first-come-first-serve basis. The subsidy will be paid in the year following the planting of mother suckers or seeds, directly to your bank account via DBT.
References
Official Guidelines for Export Oriented Production Component
SPICED Scheme Programmes and Application Links for 2026-27
Spices Board Invites Applications Under SPICED Scheme for 2026-27 (The Hindu BusinessLine)
FAQ's
What is the SPICED scheme and how is it different from the previous scheme?
SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) is the current scheme that replaced the earlier Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices. It was approved for 2023-24 to 2025-26 and extended up to 30 September 2026 or until the 16th Finance Commission scheme is approved.
When can I apply for the Large Cardamom Certified Nursery component in 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 first-come-first-serve basis.
Is the application process fully online now?
Yes, applications must be submitted online through the ServicePlus portal at serviceonline.gov.in/dbt. Small growers who cannot apply online can submit physical applications at Spices Board field offices, which will be uploaded within 7 days.
What is the subsidy amount I can get per seedling?
General category growers get 33.33% of production cost up to ₹3 per seedling. SC/ST category growers get 75% of production cost up to ₹6.75 per seedling.
Can I apply for more than 5,000 seedlings?
No, the maximum unit size per beneficiary is 5,000 seedlings. The minimum is 1,000 seedlings and allotments are in multiples of 500.
How will I receive the subsidy payment?
The subsidy is paid directly to your bank account through DBT in the year following the planting of mother suckers or seeds, after successful final inspection and on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Do farmer groups need any special registration?
Yes, farmer groups must be registered legal entities like FPO, FPC, SHG, or registered society. They must also sign an agreement with the Spices Board on ₹200 stamp paper.
Which states are covered under this component?
Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, and other Northeastern states.
What happens after I submit the application?
Spices Board officials will do a preliminary site inspection. If approved, you get a conditional permit. After completing nursery work, a final inspection is done. Successful cases are recommended for subsidy sanction based on the date of completion communication.
Can I sell the extra seedlings I produce?
Yes, seedlings not used for your own replanting or gap filling can be sold to neighboring farmers at a reasonable price not exceeding the market rate.