Organisation and Function

1.1 Particulars of its organisation, functions and duties [Section 4(1)(b)(i)]

1.1.1 Name and address of the Organization

Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development
(Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare)
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Calicut, Kerala-673 005
Phone: 0495–2369877 / 2765501
Fax: 0495-2765777
Email: spicedte@nic.in
Website: www.dasd.gov.in

1.1.2 Head of the organization

Dr. Homey Cheriyan, Director

1.1.3 Vision, Mission and Key Objectives

The Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Calicut, has the mandate for the development of spices, arecanut, a large group of aromatic plants, and betel vine grown in the country at the national level. The Directorate discharges this function through the overall coordination of development activities implemented by agencies such as State Government Departments, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), ICAR Institutes, etc. Additionally, the Directorate undertakes the implementation of certain critical programmes vital to the development process.

The Directorate is responsible for coordinating and monitoring programmes under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to promote the holistic growth of the horticulture sector in the country. Key objectives include:

• Assessment of the developmental needs of the mandate crops.
• Formulation of Central Sector/Centrally Sponsored Schemes and their implementation, either directly or through State Governments, SAUs, ICAR Institutes, etc.
• Monitoring the implementation of Central Sector/Centrally Sponsored Schemes and coordinating development activities.
• Rendering technical assistance to State Governments and other agencies on commodity development programmes.
• Collection and compilation of statistics on area, production, export, import, prices, etc., and dissemination to Central and State Governments and other agencies.
• Maintaining liaison with research institutes and extension agencies, acting as a two-way channel for technology transfer.
• Undertaking publicity and extension works related to arecanut, spices, and aromatic crops.
• Assisting Central and State Governments on all matters related to commodity development.
• Accreditation of spices nurseries to regulate the quality of planting materials.

Development Programmes

The Directorate coordinates and monitors development programmes on spices under MIDH, implemented across various states. Additionally, it directly implements the following programmes in association with SAUs and ICAR Institutes to supplement state efforts:

• Production and Distribution of Planting Materials of Spices
• Accreditation of Spices Nurseries
• Establishment of Nursery Centres for Spices and Aromatic Plants
• Setting up of Seed Processing and Storage Infrastructure
• Technology Dissemination through Frontline Demonstration
• Organising National Seminars/Workshops/Training Programmes on Spices and Aromatic Plants

Statistics

The Directorate is the authority for the collection, compilation, and dissemination of statistics on spices and arecanut. It periodically publishes statistics on area, production, productivity, prices, and cost of cultivation of arecanut and spices.

1.1.4 Functions and duties

a. Development Section

• Assessing production requirements to meet domestic and export demand.
• Identifying development needs and potential cultivation centres for the commodities.
• Analyzing constraints to achieving required production levels.
• Formulating suitable development programmes for different plan periods.
• Executing programmes through various development agencies.
• Monitoring development activities to ensure achievement of plan targets.
• Establishing linkages with development agencies, trade, marketing channels, and research.

b. Marketing, Economic Research & Statistics Section

• Assessing area and production of different commodities.
• Collecting and compiling data on cost of production, price trends, etc.
• Overseeing export demand, trends, and their contribution to the national economy.
• Disseminating data to development agencies, traders, exporters, etc.

c. Publicity Section

• Publishing the Indian Journal of Arecanut, Spices and Medicinal Plants on a quarterly basis.
• Transferring research-evolved technology to farmers, traders, exporters, etc., through effective extension methods.
• Publishing crop folders and other extension literature.
• Participating in seminars, workshops, and exhibitions at national, state, and district levels.

d. Administration Section

• Handling administrative and accounts matters for the normal functioning of the Directorate.

1.1.5 Organization Chart

1.1.6 Any other details – the genesis, inception, formation of the department and the HoDs from time to time as well as the committees/commissions constituted from time to time

The Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD) is a subordinate office under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Established on 1st April 1966 at Calicut, Kerala, it streamlines activities related to the production of arecanut, spices, and aromatic plants at the national level.

Incumbent Heads of Department (HoD):

S.No.	Name	Period
1	Shri T.T. Poulose	01.06.1967	17.01.1975
2	Dr. C.K. George	17.01.1975	08.10.1984
3	Shri E. Velappan	08.10.1984	30.11.1995
4	Shri M. Remold (i/c)	30.11.1995	20.04.1998
5	Dr. M. Tamil Selvan (i/c)	20.04.1998	22.05.1998
6	Dr. K. Sivaraman	22.05.1998	21.05.2002
7	Dr. M. Tamil Selvan	21.05.2002	15.05.2012
8	Dr. Homey Cheriyan	15.05.2012	Till date

1.2 Power and duties of its officers and employees [Section 4(1)(b)(ii)]

1.2.1 Powers and duties of officers (administrative, financial, and judicial)

Director

• Oversees all administrative and executive work related to development, cultivation, marketing, economic research, statistics, extension, and publicity for arecanut, spices, and aromatic plants.
• Serves as a member of various committees and working groups constituted by the Government of India and commodity committees of Central and State Governments.
• Provides technical advice on crop development to Central and State Governments, quasi-government organizations, and the public.
• Acts as the National Coordinator for the production and development of arecanut, spices, and aromatic plants.

Deputy Director

• Assists the Director in planning and coordinating crop development.
• Handles work related to arecanut, spices, betel vine, and aromatic plants, including assessing developmental needs, area under cultivation, production, productivity, and quality.
• Formulates, implements, and monitors development schemes.
• Liaises with Central and State Government Departments/Agencies and autonomous organizations to provide assistance and guidance.
• Supervises publications, establishment, administrative matters, and accounts.
• Performs other duties assigned by the Director.

Assistant Director

• Assists the Deputy Director and Director in formulating and implementing development programmes.
• Monitors Central and State Sector programmes for crops under the Directorate’s purview.
• Conducts field visits to scheme-implementing centres to provide technical guidance, arrange planting materials, and review progress.
• Performs other duties assigned by the Director.

Research Officer

• Assists in planning and conducting economic research and statistical studies on area, production, cost of cultivation, price trends, etc.
• Supervises routine work related to data collection, compilation, and analysis for all mandated crops.
• Conducts surveys for pepper production forecasts and other economic and statistical matters.
• Performs other duties assigned by the Director.

1.2.2 Powers and duties of other employees

Superintendent

• Supervises all work in Establishment, Accounts, and Administration Sections.
• Manages recording, indexing, maintenance of office premises, confidential dossiers, vigilance, and other confidential matters.

Senior Technical Assistant

• Collects and compiles progress reports and prepares technical reports related to crop development activities.

Statistical Investigator

• Scrutinizes, compiles, analyzes, and interprets statistical data on crops.
• Conducts field studies on cost of production and price structures and prepares fortnightly reports on area, production, and productivity.

Junior Translator

• Handles translation work, conducts Hindi workshops and seminars, and manages tasks related to the Official Language Implementation Committee.

Artist Photographer

• Prepares publicity materials, including layouts, maps, charts, graphs, posters, and photographs for publications, exhibitions, and distribution to cultivators.
• Maintains art and photographic materials and stock registers.

Stenographer Grade-II

• Takes dictation, transcribes, manages appointments, screens calls, and maintains records of engagements, files, and confidential documents.
• Performs corrections to reference books and prepares fair copies of draft letters.

Upper Division Clerk

• Works under the supervision of the Section-in-charge, preparing drafts and notes, checking facts, pointing out errors, referencing precedents, and suggesting courses of action.

Lower Division Clerk

• Handles routine tasks such as registration of dak, maintaining diaries and registers, typing, photocopying, faxing, emailing, despatching, and preparing statements and drafts.

Driver

• Drives the office vehicle, maintains cleanliness, logs petrol consumption, and oversees vehicle servicing/repairs.

Multitasking Staff

• Maintains records, ensures cleanliness, carries files, assists with routine tasks (diary, dispatch, etc.), delivers dak, and performs watch and ward duties.

1.2.3 Rules/orders under which powers and duties are derived

Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, directions and orders issued from time to time.

1.2.4 Exercised

[Refer to the PDF]

1.2.5 Work allocation

S.No.	Name and Designation	Work Allotted
1	Dr. Homey Cheriyan, Director	Head of Department and Director
2	Dr. Femina, Deputy Director	On Deputation
3	Shri Babulal Meena, Deputy Director	Head of Office, oversees Development, Publicity, Economics & Statistics, Administrative, RTI, and Hindi Sections
4	Smt. C.V. Divya, Assistant Director	Development, Publicity Sections, and Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO)
5	Shri K. Manoj Kumar, Research Officer	Economics and Statistics, Administration, and Computer Section
6	Shri C. Shunmuga Sundaram, Superintendent	Administrative Section
7	Smt. K. Thejas Das, Senior Technical Assistant	Development Section, Nursery, and Garden
8	Shri Dipak Narayan Bhosale, Senior Technical Assistant	Development Section and Publicity Work
9	Shri C.F. Gedam, Artist Photographer	Drawing, Artist, Photography, Exhibition, and Record Clerk Duty
10	Smt. M.K. Suma, Technical Assistant	Development Section, Assists Senior Technical Assistant
11	Smt. K. Ushakumari, Marketing Assistant	Publicity Section Publications
12	Smt. K.S. Kanchana, Marketing Assistant	Establishment Section, Service Book, Leave, Appointment, Promotion, MACP
13	Smt. Sruthi Sreekumar, Statistical Assistant	Economics & Statistical Section, Computer Section
14	Shri P. Vinod Kumar, Technical Assistant	Accounts Section, Pay Bills, CEA, LTC, Travel Expenses Claims
15	Shri P.R. Anil Kumar, Stenographer Grade II	Assists Director and Deputy Directors, General Section, RTI, Training, Emails, Publications
16	Shri M.P. Unnikrishnan, Stenographer Grade II	PA to Director, Publicity Section
17	Shri Sudhansu Kumar, Stenographer Grade II	Accounts and General Sections, Pension, NPS, GPF, Stores, Correspondence
18	Shri P. Baiju, Upper Division Clerk	Accounts and General Sections, Utility Bills, Night Security, Tapal Dispatch
19	Shri Palash Kanti Mollick, Upper Division Clerk	Accounts Section, Cashier, Budget Section Files
20	Shri Srikumar T., Upper Division Clerk	Development Section, Annual Action Plan, Scheme-Related Files
21	Shri Satish Kumar, Lower Division Clerk	Temporarily attached with Ministry office at New Delhi
22	Shri Ranjith M, Staff Car Driver (OG)	Staff Car Driver
23	Shri E. Ajith Kumar, Multi-Tasking Staff	Office Attendant, Peon, Tapal Dispatch, Telephone Duty
24	Shri K.S. Santhos, Multi-Tasking Staff	Office Attendant, Peon, Tapal Dispatch, Telephone Duty
25	Shri K.V. Chandran, Multi-Tasking Staff	Office Attendant, Peon, Tapal Dispatch, Telephone Duty
26	Shri L. Sujeesh, Multi-Tasking Staff	Maintenance of Garden and Nursery

1.3 Procedure followed in the decision-making process, including channels of supervision and accountability [Section 4(1)(b)(iii)]

The Directorate follows the Functional File System and standard operating procedures as prescribed in the Manual of Office Procedure of the Government of India. Issues requiring decisions are examined by the relevant sections, with files containing details and opinions moving from sections to Assistant Director/Research Officer, Deputy Directors, and the Director for final decisions. Matters are referred to the Ministry of Agriculture when necessary.

1.4 Norms for discharge of functions [Section 4(1)(b)(iv)]

The Directorate is tasked with formulating, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring programmes for the development of spices, arecanut, betel vine, and aromatic crops to complement State Governments and Union Territories’ efforts to increase production and productivity, improving farmers’ economic well-being. This objective guides the formulation and implementation of programmes.

1.5 Rules, regulations, instructions, manuals, and records held by it or under its control or used by its employees for discharging its functions [Section 4(1)(b)(v)]

The Directorate follows CCS Rules, instructions, and manuals issued periodically by the Government of India.

1.5.4 Transfer policy and transfer orders

[Refer to the PDF]

1.6 Categories of documents held by it or under its control [Section 4(1)(b)(vi)]

• Category A: Not Applicable
• Category B: Title deed of office premises, PATTA issued by Government of Kerala
• Category C:
  • Service books of staff/employees
  • Financial documents such as cash books
  • Files and records

1.7 Statement of boards, councils, committees, and other bodies [Section 4(1)(b)(viii)]

Not applicable.

1.8 Directory of its officers and employees [Section 4(1)(b)(ix)]

S.No.	Name	Designation	Phone No.	Email
1	Dr. Homey Cheriyan	Director	0495-2765501	spicedte@nic.in
2	Dr. Femina	Deputy Director	0495-2765777	femina.lal@gov.in
3	Shri Babulal Meena	Deputy Director	0495-2369877	babulal.meena30@gov.in
4	Smt. C.V. Divya	Assistant Director	0495-2369877	divya.cv@gov.in
5	Shri K. Manojkumar	Research Officer	0495-2369877	manojkumar.karun@gov.in
6	Shri C. Shunmuga Sundaram	Superintendent	0495-2369877	shunmugha.sundaram@gov.in
7	Smt. K. Thejas Das	Senior Technical Assistant	0495-2369877	thejas.das@gov.in
8	Smt. M.K. Suma	Technical Assistant	0495-2369877	suma.mk31@gov.in
9	Smt. Sruthi Sreekumar	Statistical Assistant	0495-2369877	sruthi.sreekumar@gov.in
10	Smt. K. Ushakumari	Marketing Assistant	0495-2369877	ushakumari.k@gov.in
11	Smt. K.S. Kanchana	Marketing Assistant	0495-2369877	kanchana.ks@gov.in
12	Shri C.F. Gedam	Artist Photographer	0495-2369877	gedam.cf@gov.in
13	Shri P. Vinod Kumar	Technical Assistant	0495-2369877	vinodkr.p@gov.in
14	Shri P.R. Anil Kumar	Stenographer Gr. II	0495-2369877	anilkumar.pr@gov.in
15	Shri M.P. Unnikrishnan	Stenographer Gr. II	0495-2369877	unnikrishnan.mp@gov.in
16	Shri Sudhansu Kumar	Stenographer Gr. II	0495-2369877	sudhanshu.2000@gov.in
17	Shri P. Baiju	Upper Division Clerk	0495-2369877	p.baiju32@gov.in
18	Shri Palash Kanti Mollick	Upper Division Clerk	0495-2369877	mollick.pk@gov.in
19	Shri T. Srikumar	Lower Division Clerk	0495-2369877	srikumar.t@gov.in
20	Shri Satish Kumar	Lower Division Clerk	0495-2369877	satish.t54@gov.in
21	Shri Ranjith M	Staff Car Driver (OG)	0495-2369877	ranjithm.nair@gov.in
22	Shri E. Ajithkumar	Multi-Tasking Staff	0495-2369877	ajithe.32@gov.in
23	Shri K.S. Santhos	Multi-Tasking Staff	0495-2369877	santhos.ks@gov.in
24	Shri K.V. Chandran	Multi-Tasking Staff	0495-2369877	chandran.kv@gov.in
25	Shri L. Sujeesh	Multi-Tasking Staff	0495-2369877	sujeesh.l@gov.in

1.9 Monthly remuneration received by officers and employees, including the system of compensation [Section 4(1)(b)(x)]

1.9.1 List of employees with gross monthly remuneration

S.No.	Name of Employee	Designation	Pay Level	Basic Pay (Rs)	Gross Monthly Remuneration (Rs)
1	Dr. Homey Cheriyan	Director	12	119300	217405
2	Dr. Femina	Deputy Director	11	–	On deputation
3	Shri Babulal Meena	Deputy Director	11	93800	173390
4	Smt. C.V. Divya	Assistant Director	10	67000	113526
5	Shri K. Manojkumar	Research Officer	10	67000	126926
6	Shri C. Shunmuga Sundaram	Superintendent	7	66000	119688
7	Smt. K. Thejas Das	Senior Technical Assistant	7	47600	87856
8	Smt. M.K. Suma	Technical Assistant	6	62200	107606
9	Smt. Sruthi Sreekumar	Statistical Assistant	5	38100	65913
10	Smt. K. Ushakumari	Marketing Assistant	6	53600	98236
11	Smt. K.S. Kanchana	Marketing Assistant	5	52000	95468
12	Shri C.F. Gedam	Artist Photographer	7	74300	134047
13	Shri P.R. Anil Kumar	Stenographer Grade II	7	66000	119688
14	Shri M.P. Unnikrishnan	Stenographer Grade II	6	88700	141219
15	Shri P. Vinod Kumar	Technical Assistant	5	46800	86472
16	Shri P. Baiju	Upper Division Clerk	5	45400	84050
17	Shri Sudhansu Kumar	Stenographer Grade II	4	25500	55131
18	Shri Palash Kanti Mollick	Upper Division Clerk	3	37500	63583
19	Shri Srikumar T.	Lower Division Clerk	6	56900	103945
20	Shri Satish Kumar	Lower Division Clerk	2	23800	43240
21	Shri M. Ranjith	Staff Car Driver (OG)	3	37200	69864
22	Shri E. Ajith Kumar	Multi-Tasking Staff	3	39400	73670
23	Shri K.S. Santhos	Multi-Tasking Staff	3	38300	69615
24	Shri K.V. Chandran	Multi-Tasking Staff	2	34000	57528
25	Shri Sujeesh L	Multi-Tasking Staff	3	38300	71767

1.9.2 System of compensation as provided in its regulations

Not applicable.

1.10 Name, designation, and other particulars of Public Information Officers [Section 4(1)(b)(xvi)]

Role	Details
Appellate Authority	Dr. Homey Cheriyan, Director Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Calicut 673005, Kerala Phone: 0495-2765501, Fax: 0495-2765777 Email: spicedte@nic.in Residence: 2 B, Royal Harmony, K.T. Gopalan Road, Kottooli, Calicut Phone: 0495-2742888, Mobile: 09495365854
Central Public Information Officer	Babulal Meena, Deputy Director Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Calicut 673005, Kerala Phone: 0495-2369877, Fax: 0495-2765777 Email: spicedte@nic.in Residence: House No. 566/11, Meena Nivas, Meledath Paramba, Kaipurathpalam Road, Mokavoor, Eranhikkal P.O., Calicut 673 303
Deemed Central Public Information Officer	Smt. C.V. Divya, Assistant Director Shri K. Manojkumar, Research Officer Shri C. Shunmuga Sundaram, Superintendent Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Calicut 673005, Kerala Phone: 0495-2369877, Fax: 0495-2765777

1.11 No. of employees against whom disciplinary action has been proposed/taken [Section 4(2)]

Nil

1.12 Programmes to advance understanding of RTI [Section 26]

1.12.1 Educational Programmes

Three staff members received RTI training through the iGot Portal:

• P.R. Anil Kumar
• P. Baiju
• Satish Kumar

[Refer to the PDF]

1.12.2 Efforts to encourage public authority to participate in these programmes

All employees are attending learning/training programmes provided by the iGot portal.

1.12.3 Training of CPIO/APIO

The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) attended eight training programmes via the iGot portal:

1. Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
2. Code of Conduct for Government Employees
3. Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
4. Cyber Security Basics
5. Understanding Mission Karmayogi
6. Orientation Module on Mission Life
7. Yoga Break at Workplace
8. Right to Information Act Part 1

1.12.4 Update & publish guidelines on RTI by the Public Authorities

• Transfer policy and transfer orders [F No.6/1/2008-Gen dt.19/09/2024)

[Refer to the PDF]