Large Cardamom Irrigation Land Development: Irrigation Equipment provides financial support to large cardamom growers for buying irrigation equipment and building water storage structures, so that crop yield and quality improve. In 2026-27 the support is being given under the SPICED scheme of the Spices Board, and online applications are open till August 31, 2026.
SPICED stands for Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development. It runs under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and covers small and large cardamom growers in Sikkim, the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, and other North-Eastern states.
Large Cardamom Irrigation Land Development: Irrigation Equipment 2026-27
The scheme was earlier run under the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion and Quality Improvement in Spices during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-2026). The Spices Board has now extended the support under the SPICED scheme, and it will stay available until September 30, 2026 or until the proposed scheme under the 16th Finance Commission is approved, whichever is earlier.
Under this component, the Spices Board helps growers pay for irrigation pump sets, sprinkler systems and other water-saving equipment for large cardamom plantations. Separate help is also available for building water storage and rainwater harvesting structures in the plantation.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Large Cardamom Irrigation Land Development: Irrigation Equipment |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual large cardamom growers |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Implementing Body | Spices Board of India |
| Benefit Type | Cash assistance / subsidy |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | August 31, 2026 |
| Official Website | indianspices.com |
Benefits
Growers get financial help against the cost of buying and installing irrigation equipment for their large cardamom plantations. The exact amount depends on the type of equipment and the cost of the item.
- Installation of irrigation equipment is supported at 50% subsidy, up to a maximum of ₹10,000 for large cardamom farmers.
- Construction of irrigation and water storage structures is supported at 50% of the actual cost, up to a maximum of ₹20,000, whichever is less.
- Eligible land holding size for large cardamom falls between 0.10 hectares and 8 hectares.
Eligibility
The support covers large cardamom growers who fall within the areas where the Spices Board runs this programme. The basic conditions are given below.
- Applicants must be large cardamom growers located in Sikkim, the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, or other North-Eastern states.
- Growers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and other eligible stakeholders can apply under the various components of the SPICED scheme.
- The application must be submitted in the prescribed format, along with the required documents.
Application Process
Online submission of applications for the SPICED scheme 2026-27 started on July 1, 2026. The closing date for applications is August 31, 2026. Applications received after this date or incomplete ones will not be taken up.
STEP 1 - Go to the ServicesPlus portal and click on Register. Provide your name, email, mobile number and state details to complete the profile.
STEP 2 - Once registered, log in to the login portal with your credentials. Choose the relevant scheme component under the SPICED scheme.
STEP 3 - Fill out the application form with your plantation and land details, upload the required documents, and submit the form online before August 31, 2026.
STEP 4 - After submission, a Spices Board official inspects the application and recommends the eligible subsidy to the Zonal Assistant Director or Deputy Director of the Regional office for sanction. The approved subsidy is paid directly to the beneficiary bank account through e-payment.
Documents
The following documents are generally asked for while applying for the irrigation assistance.
- Parcha copy or land ownership / possession document.
- Survey plan or self attested map, and quotations in case of purchase of machines or equipment.
- Voter ID, Aadhaar card or passport.
- Bank passbook.
- No Objection Certificate from the panchayat if the land is not in the beneficiary's name.
References
FAQ's
What is the objective of this scheme?
The scheme encourages large cardamom growers to use modern irrigation facilities so that plantation yield and crop quality improve, which in turn supports export-oriented spice production.
Which regions are eligible for this assistance?
The programme covers Sikkim, the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, and other North-Eastern states where large cardamom is grown.
What is the financial help limit?
For installing irrigation equipment, help is available at 50% of the cost up to ₹10,000. For irrigation and water storage structures, it is 50% of the cost up to ₹20,000, whichever is less.
What is the last date to apply in 2026?
Online applications under the SPICED scheme 2026-27 opened on July 1, 2026 and close on August 31, 2026.
Is the scheme still tied to the 15th Finance Commission?
The scheme ran under the 15th Finance Commission cycle till 2025-26. It has now been extended under the SPICED scheme until September 30, 2026 or until the new scheme under the 16th Finance Commission is approved, whichever is earlier.