Spices Development Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Coriander, Cinnamon and Chillies is a state-level scheme of the Government of Meghalaya that helps farmers produce high quality, disease-free planting materials and grow improved, high-yielding varieties of spices. The scheme is managed by Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, and it continues to provide quality planting material to growers in 2026.
Planting materials grown at Government Farm in Umsning are sold directly to farmers through District Horticulture Officers and designated Implementing Officers. Sale happens at the full rate fixed by the department, and interested farmers are selected on a first come, first serve basis every season.
Spices Development Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Coriander, Cinnamon and Chillies - Introduction
The scheme covers eight important spices grown widely in Meghalaya: ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and chillies. The main aim is to give farmers clean and disease-free planting materials so their crops stay healthy and give better yields. Using improved varieties also helps growers reduce crop losses and earn more from the same plot of land.
For 2026, the department continues the same pattern of support. There is no online application portal for this scheme; farmers apply offline on plain paper through the nearest Horticulture Development Officer. Full scheme details, including objectives, pattern of support and eligibility, are available in the horticulture schemes section of the official website of the department.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Spices Development Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Coriander, Cinnamon and Chillies |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Meghalaya |
| Managing Department | Agriculture Department, Government of Meghalaya |
| Eligibility | Bonafide farmer of Meghalaya with at least 0.2 hectares of owned or leased land |
| Pattern of Support | Planting materials from Government Farm, Umsning sold at full rate through District Horticulture Officers |
| Application Mode | Offline on plain paper via Horticulture Development Officer |
| Selection Method | First come, first serve basis |
| Type of Benefit | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
Benefits
The biggest benefit of this scheme is easier access to reliable planting material. Farmers do not have to search for trustworthy nurseries on their own because Government Farm in Umsning supplies the material through official channels.
- Clean, disease-free planting materials for ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and chillies.
- Improved, high-yielding spice varieties that help farmers get better output even from small plots.
- Direct supply through District Horticulture Officers and Implementing Officers at the full rate fixed by the department.
Eligibility
Farmers who want support under this scheme need to meet a few basic conditions.
- Applicant should be a permanent resident of Meghalaya.
- Applicant should be a bonafide farmer actively involved in agricultural activities.
- Applicant should own or lease at least 0.2 hectares of land.
Note: Beneficiaries are selected on a first come, first serve basis, so it is better to apply early.
Application Process
The application process for this scheme is fully offline and does not require any portal login.
STEP 1 - Write a simple application on plain paper stating your interest in the scheme and the spices you want to cultivate.
STEP 2 - Collect all required documents and self attest them if necessary.
STEP 3 - Submit the signed application along with the documents to the nearest Horticulture Development Officer at your CD Block or Horticulture Circle.
Selection Process: The department picks beneficiaries on a first come, first serve basis. Early submission gives a better chance of getting selected.
Whom to Contact: For help, farmers can reach out to the District Horticulture Officer or their local Horticulture Development Officer.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready when submitting the application.
- Passport size photograph
- Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar card or voter ID
- Bank passbook or account details
- Land ownership or lease documents showing at least 0.2 hectares
- Any other documents asked by the office
References
Official Horticulture Schemes Page
District Horticulture Officer Contacts
FAQ on Horticulture Schemes (PDF)
FAQ's
What is the main aim of the scheme?
The main aim is to encourage farmers to produce high quality, disease-free planting materials and grow improved, high-yielding varieties of spices in Meghalaya.
Which department manages this scheme?
Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya manages the scheme.
What kind of support do farmers get?
Planting materials from Government Farm in Umsning are sold directly to growers through District Horticulture Officers or Implementing Officers at the full rate fixed by the department.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any bonafide farmer of Meghalaya who owns or leases at least 0.2 hectares of land can apply. For example, if Ramesh holds a 0.5-hectare plot in Meghalaya, he is eligible to participate.
How can a farmer apply?
A farmer should submit a written application on plain paper to the nearest Horticulture Development Officer of the CD Block or Horticulture Circle.
How are beneficiaries selected?
The department selects participants on a first come, first serve basis.
Whom should a farmer contact for help?
Farmers can contact their local District Horticulture Officer or the Horticulture Development Officer directly.