3.1 Establishment of Frontline demonstration plots with latest technologies
3.1.1. Demonstration plots for seed spices
India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of seed spices, with major cultivation concentrated in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. However, the productivity of key seed spices such as cumin, coriander, fennel, fenugreek, and ajwain continues to remain below potential. This is primarily due to the limited adoption of high-yielding and disease-tolerant/resistant varieties, as well as the non-implementation of modern crop production technologies. Additionally, the presence of high levels of pesticide residues in seed spice samples—particularly cumin—has led to increased export rejections, adversely affecting the global marketability of Indian spices. To address these challenges, DASD proposes to implement a technology dissemination programme by establishing demonstration plots on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in a farmer-participatory mode. These demonstrations will be carried out in major seed spice-growing regions with the objective of enhancing both production and productivity through the adoption of improved and pesticide-free production technologies.
For the year 2025–26, DASD proposes the establishment of 122 demonstration plots, each of 1 hectare in size, focused on seed spices. These plots will serve to showcase the latest technologies including pesticide-free cultivation practices. An assistance of Rs. 0.40 lakh per unit will be provided to each demonstration unit.
3.1.2. Demonstration plots for aromatic plants
The level of information on production technologies, improved varieties and commercial importance of aromatic plants is meager among the farming community. In 2021-22 & 2023-24 cluster-based demonstrations (25 ha each) on cultivation and value addition of aromatic plants were successfully established in Korea district (tribal area) and Mahasamund of Chhattisgarh state, which helped in the income generation and improvement of livelihood status of the tribal farmers. To popularize technologies on aromatic plants, the Directorate proposes to establish 36.50 demonstration plots of size 1 ha in potential locations. The financial assistance for high value aromatic crops is Rs.1.25 lakhs/unit and Rs 0.80 lakhs/unit for other aromatic crops.
3.1.3. Demonstration of on-farm water management – setting up Micro irrigation (drip irrigation)
Productivity and quality of any crop is affected by availability of optimum level of irrigation during critical stages of growth. Growth and yield parameters of spices like Black pepper, Chilli, Ginger, Turmeric and seed spices etc showed significant increase in response to irrigation. The Directorate proposes to establish 39 plots demonstrating optimum and efficient drip irrigation technique in spices. This is an ongoing programme and the cost norms are as per NMSA guidelines.
3.1.4 Participatory Demonstration on effective and eco-friendly management of white-grub using Entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) in Arecanut
White grub is a key pest of Arecanut and its intercrops in sandy loam soils of Karnataka and Kerala. It damages the seedlings and adult palms by feeding on roots, boring the bole and collar region. Usually, the grubs are managed with application of high dose of pesticides applied frequently which is deleterious to ecosystem. EPNs are identified to be effective and environmental friendly alternative to manage white grubs by CPCRI, Kasargod. The front line demonstrations established by the Directorate in association with ICAR-CPCRI to popularize ecofriendly management of white grub using Kalpa EPN (an effective native strain of EPN, Steinernemacarpocapsae(CPCRI-SC1) isolated by CPCRI) in farmers’ fields of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka during 2015-16, 2018-19 &2020-21 were successful in demonstration of the technology. Similar demonstrations of one acre each were established in two fresh locations of Dakshina Kannada & Udupi district of Karnataka during the year 2024-25. The nematodes based bio-agent liquid suspension of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernemacarpocapsaewere mass produced on fully grown G. mellonellalarvae under laboratory condition. Kalpa EPN suspension were supplied to the farmers of Karnataka and Kerala for the eco-friendly management of the root grub in infected arecanut gardens. The EPN liquid suspension technology was transferred to three firms during the 2024-25 and conducted training on mass production of EPN to the farmers, FPOs, KVK staffs and RAWE/PG students as part of making an awareness of the technology among the various stakeholders.
3.1.5. Establishment of demonstration plots on Arecanut based multi species cropping system
Based on the recommendation of Ministers visit to NER, the Directorate is implementing a three-year programme (2024–27) on Arecanut-Based Multi-Species Cropping System (ABMSCS) in Tripura to enhance income generation and livelihood security among arecanut-growing farmers. The initiative, approved in 2024–25 with a total budget of ₹23.87 lakhs, focuses on introducing scientifically designed multi-species cropping models involving intercrops like banana, pineapple, turmeric, ginger, and lemon in arecanut gardens. This approach aims to maximize land productivity, improve resilience against price fluctuations and pest risks, and encourage sustainable farming practices in the region.
During the first year, five demonstration plots (1 acre each) were successfully established in Tithai and Padmabil villages of North Tripura. Intercrops were planted with active farmer participation. Additionally, a three-day training programme was conducted in collaboration with ICAR-CPCRI and KVK, North Tripura, benefitting 300 farmers from surrounding blocks. These interventions have received encouraging response from the farmers.
To continue the efforts given in first year and provide necessary inputs, gap filling, maintenance, and capacity-building support, second-year assistance of ₹7.59 lakhs is required. This will support operational and maintenance activities in the existing demonstration plots, supply of inputs and plant protection materials etc.
3.1.6. Demonstration of management of yellow leaf disease of arecanut using plastic mulching
The Directorate in collaboration with ICAR-CPCRI, has initiated a three-year demonstration programme on the management of Yellow Leaf Disease (YLD) in arecanut plantations through plastic mulching in Dakshina Kannada district. The initiative was launched in 2024–25 to showcase an integrated management strategy involving plastic mulching, drip fertigation, Bordeaux spraying, vermicompost application, and residue management to mitigate YLD and improve productivity and soil health. In the first year, baseline activities such as garden selection, soil and leaf sampling, establishment of drip fertigation systems, and mulching operations were successfully initiated. It is proposed to continue the programme during 2025–26to sustain the interventions and validate their impact over multiple seasons. To maintain the demonstration plot, it is necessary that we should undertake the seasonal operations, supply of inputs, maintain the supervisory staff etc.
3.1.7.FLD on Dissemination of on Farm Solar tunnel Dryer technology for drying Nagauri (Paan) Methi and LucknowiSaunf (green fennel)
The Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, in collaboration with ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer, proposes the implementation of a frontline demonstration (FLD) programme on the dissemination of on-farm solar tunnel dryer technology for drying Nagauri (Paan) methi and Lucknowisaunf (green fennel) during 2025–26. The initiative aims to address critical post-harvest challenges faced by small and marginal farmers growing leafy seed spices, which are highly perishable due to their high moisture content (exceeding 80%). Traditional open sun drying is inadequate and leads to quality deterioration, microbial contamination, and significant economic losses. The introduction of low-cost, plastic-sheet-covered walk-in solar tunnel dryers offers a practical and energy-efficient solution for on-farm spice drying.
Under the programme, a total of 25 solar dryers (including small models for farm use and a large prototype at the test center) will be installed across farmers’ fields in Rajasthan’s Sirohi and Nagaur districts. The programme includes demonstration of dryers, development of drying indices, and extensive capacity building through farmer trainings, district-level seminars, and the distribution of user manuals in local languages. The focus will be on optimizing drying parameters and ensuring high-quality, hygienic, and nutrient-retentive produce that meets both domestic and export standards. Emphasis will be laid on simple, farmer-friendly practices for measuring moisture levels and ensuring timely drying. The programme is expected to result in significant improvements in post-harvest infrastructure, reduce spoilage, and boost farmer income through improved marketability of dried spices. By encouraging farmer-led adoption of green technology, it will also support sustainable horticultural practices.
3.2 Import Substitution Programmes
The Import Substitution Programme in spices is a strategic initiative under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), aimed at reducing India’s dependence on spice imports by enhancing domestic production of high-demand and export-oriented spice varieties. Various development programmes have been implemented under MIDH to improve the production and productivity of major spice crops, thereby ensuring surplus availability for export. The quality planting material production programme supports the production of good-quality, high-yielding, and export-oriented spice varieties. Successful Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) conducted in recent years include the organic production of black pepper, cultivation of high-curcumin turmeric varieties such as Waigon turmeric and KandhamalHaldi, aflatoxin-free chilli production, and cinnamon intercropping. These are key initiatives undertaken by the Directorate to reduce spice imports. For 2025–26, the Import Substitution Programme will expand its scope to further promote the domestic cultivation of high-demand spices, including turmeric, chilli, pepper, and ginger, using targeted, organic, and sustainable approaches. These initiatives aim not only to boost India’s self-reliance in spice production but also to improve farm incomes, promote environmentally friendly practices, and strengthen India’s position as a global leader in quality spice exports.
3.2.1. Organic farming in major spices
Addition of large quantities of fertilizers and heavy use of plant protection chemicals to boost the yields became common practice in all producing countries affecting the quality of products. In view of the damage done to environment and human health by conventional intensive farming practices, the demand for organic products have come up world over. In view of the importance of spices both as food adjunct and as medicine, the demand for organically produced spices is increasing substantially. DASD had initiated farmer participatory demonstration in compact area to promote latest technologies in organic farming in spices during 2008-09 and is being implemented successfully by different agencies in the subsequent years. Since 2019-20, the directorate had successfully established organic cluster-based demonstrations also in selected locations for commercially important spice crops like Turmeric, Ginger, Cumin and Black Pepper. These demonstrations have helped in a great way in creating awareness among the rural youth/ farmers/ consumers/ traders on latest techniques followed in organic farming, commercial potential and marketing opportunities in organic spices.
The financial assistance for black pepper is ₹0.60 lakh per unit, and ₹1.00 lakh per unit for ginger, turmeric, and chilli. Since black pepper is a perennial crop, the scheme will be continued for a period of three years, with additional financial assistance of ₹0.20 lakh per unit provided in each of the subsequent two years. For ginger, turmeric, and chilli, assistance will be provided for one year only, corresponding to their annual cropping period.
During the year 2025-26, it is proposed to establish 85 ha frontline demonstrations on organic spices (Black pepper, turmeric, ginger &chilli), including cluster based demonstrations with a financial outlay of Rs.83.00 lakhs.