Farmers in the North East can get financial support covering 50% of the cost of planting material, up to ₹30,000 per hectare, to grow Lakadong turmeric for export. The scheme is part of the Spices Board's SPICED programme and is being implemented for the financial year 2026-27.
Spices Board under Ministry of Commerce and Industry runs this support to boost export of high-quality Lakadong turmeric from the North Eastern region. It was earlier made for the 15th Finance Commission cycle, which ran from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The SPICED scheme, of which this cultivation support is a part, has now been extended till 30 September 2026 or until approval of the new scheme for the 16th Finance Commission cycle, whichever comes earlier.
Promotion of Exportable Surplus of Identified Spices: Cultivation of Lakadong Turmeric
Applications for the 2026-27 cycle opened online on 1 July 2026 through the Spices Board programme links. Farmers, exporters, farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and other stakeholders need to read the scheme guidelines before filling the online form. The last date to submit the application under the development programmes is 31 August 2026.
The bigger picture around Lakadong turmeric has also changed in 2026. The central government launched Mission Golden Spice in New Delhi on 21 July 2026, a ₹175.45 crore convergence scheme anchored by MDoNER and the North Eastern Council to build a full value chain for Meghalaya's GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric. That mission works together with Spices Board support and aims to expand the area under cultivation from around 2,500 hectares to about 7,500 hectares.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Promotion of Exportable surplus of identified spices: Cultivation of Lakadong turmeric |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Spices Board) |
| Assistance Type | Cash subsidy |
| Target Group | Individual farmers and FPOs |
| Maximum Limit | ₹30,000 per hectare (50% of planting material cost) |
| Application Period | From 1 July 2026 to 31 August 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online (Service Plus portal) |
Benefits
The scheme gives cash support directly to the farmer through the direct benefit transfer process. Here is what the support covers:
- 50% of the actual cost spent on quality planting material for Lakadong turmeric.
- A maximum ceiling of ₹30,000 per hectare for each eligible applicant.
Eligibility
To get this support, applicants must meet the criteria fixed by Spices Board. The conditions are:
- Be a turmeric grower in any North Eastern state, Sikkim, or Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal.
- Hold land between 0.10 hectares and 8 hectares.
- Pass the field inspection and receive recommendations from designated government officials.
Application Process
Application Steps
Farmers can apply online through the Service Plus portal used by Spices Board for its development programmes. Follow these steps to submit the form:
STEP 1 - Visit the official Spices Board Service Plus portal at serviceonline.gov.in/dbt/ and read the SPICED scheme guidelines once before starting.
STEP 2 - Register as a new user by providing your name, mobile number and email address. If you already have an account, go straight to login.
STEP 3 - Log in with your credentials after verifying the account with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
STEP 4 - Select the SPICED scheme component for promotion of exportable surplus of GI and other spices from the North East, which covers Lakadong turmeric cultivation.
STEP 5 - Fill the application form with correct land and crop details and upload the required documents carefully.
STEP 6 - Submit the application before 31 August 2026 and keep the reference number safe for future tracking.
Documents
Keep these documents ready so the application can be completed without delay:
- Land ownership proof such as a Parcha copy or Possession Certificate.
- A self-attested sketch map of the land.
- A valid Aadhaar card.
- A copy of the bank passbook for the direct benefit transfer payment.
- No Objection Certificate from the local Panchayat if the land is not in the applicant's name.
References
For latest details and official updates, use these links:
- Official SPICED Scheme Page on Spices Board
- SPICED Scheme Guidelines PDF
- Notice Inviting Application for SPICED 2026-27
- Service Plus Application Portal
- Official Scheme Guidelines Page
- PIB Release on Mission Golden Spice
FAQ's
What is the main aim of the scheme?
The scheme encourages export-oriented cultivation of Lakadong turmeric across the North Eastern region and helps farmers earn from the high-curcumin variety.
Who can apply for the subsidy?
Turmeric growers in North Eastern states, Sikkim, and Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal with land holdings between 0.10 and 8 hectares can apply.
How is the financial support decided?
The support is fixed at 50% of planting material cost, with a maximum cap of ₹30,000 per hectare.
What if the land is not in my name?
You need to obtain and upload a No Objection Certificate from the local Panchayat along with the other documents.
What is the last date to apply for 2026?
For the 2026-27 cycle, applications are open from 1 July 2026 and the last date for submission is 31 August 2026.