Author name: web

1.1 Production and distribution of nucleus planting materials of spices The MIDH programmes on spices implemented in different states such as area expansion, replanting, rejuvenation etc. requires sizeable quantity of quality planting materials of the respective spice crops.  In order to meet the requirement of various planting materials for the development programmes, small nurseries are proposed to be established in the selected locations on the identified spices and aromatic crops.  Quite a good number of varieties of various spices and aromatic crops have been evolved from various Research Centres.  However, adequate quantities of planting materials of these varieties are not supplied to the State Departments for large scale multiplication and distribution to the farmers, even after the long period of their releases, due to lack of sufficient infrastructure and funds available at the crop improvement centres.   As a result, the planting material production programmes of the State Governments are mostly limited to the available stock of materials, which may not be able to generate the desired impact in the production front.  The ICAR vision document 2050 also stresses the need to increase the nucleus planting material production. Availability of good quality planting material is the key to the success of spice cultivation as it accounts for about 40% of total cost of production in annual crops like , ginger and turmeric and in the long-standing crop of black pepper and tree spices, where these are the source of income for many years to come . Hence selection of quality material for planting and its storage till the planting season is very important. Availability of good quality planting material of high yielding varieties is negligible compared to the demand. In order to improve the situation, DASD has directly taken up nucleus planting material production programme with all the available released high yielding varieties by building up the required facilities in the Research Farms attached to the SAUs, ICAR Institutes etc.  The Directorate assesses the requirement of nucleus planting materials well in advance for various State Horticulture Mission Programmes. All the selected spice crops under these programmes assigned to the State Governments are included for planting material production under DASD programme. The nucleus planting materials produced are supplied for further multiplication to the State Governments/farmers based on their requirements for various programmes in subsequent year. Wherever Certification Standards are not available, Truth Full Labeled (TFL) seeds will be produced with due care given on all the quality parameters. The nucleus materials are to be produced by SAUs/ ICAR institutes on firm indents and distributed following the norms of the SAU / ICAR Institutes. 100% assistance is provided to the SAUs / Central Institutes for taking up these programmes. It would be the responsibility of the producing agencies to ensure quality of the planting material produced by them. The quantity of nucleus planting materials of the spice crops proposed to be produced during 2025-26, the unit cost of production, physical target for the year and financial requirement thereon are given below. Table 1. Production of nucleus planting materials – physical target and financial requirement S. No Programmes Unit Cost per unit (Rs in Lakhs) Physical Target Financial Req.      (Rs in lakhs) 1 Black Pepper / Betelvine Nos in lakhs 8.00 25.245 201.96000 2 Ginger rhizomes Qty in tones 0.30 150.500 45.15000 3 Ginger Protray seedlings Nos in lakhs 1.20 6.900 8.28000 4 Turmeric rhizomes Qty in tones 0.30 727.000 218.10000 5 Turmeric protray seedlings Nos in lakhs 1.20 10.470 12.56400 6 Chilli seeds Qty in (qtls) 0.75 46.770 35.07750 7 Seed spices Qty in tones 0.50 195.000 97.50000 8 Garlic Qty in tones 0.50 86.750 43.37500 9 Bush Pepper Nos in lakhs 40.00 0.660 26.40000 10 Tree spices grafts /seedlings i.  Nutmeg grafts (Plagiotropic) Nos in lakhs 80.00 0.5700 45.60000 ii.  Nutmeg grafts (Orthotropic) Nos in lakhs 140.00 0.0890 12.46000 iii Tamarind / Kokum grafts Nos in lakhs 20 2.2100 44.20000 iv Clove /Allspice seedlings Nos in lakhs 20 0.2800 5.60000 v Cinnamon /Cassia /Curry leaf seedlings Nos in lakhs 5 4.5800 45.80000 vi Cinnamon seedlings Air layers Nos in lakhs 25 0.9110 22.77500 11 Aromatic Plants Ha. 0.75 71.0000 53.25000 Total       918.0915 1.2. Small nursery for spices and aromatic plants The Directorate setup small nurseries (1 ha) in National Research Institutes/Agricultural Universities to generate sufficient quality planting materials of spices and aromatic plants which are in good demand in the domestic industries and also for the export.  The nurseries will be having provision for naturally ventilated green houses and net houses and it would meet the specific standards of a model nursery with the capacity to produce a minimum 25,000 numbers of the planting material per hectare duly certified for its quality.  The spices nurseries taken up under this programme need to be got accredited by DASD immediately after its establishment. 1.3. Upgradation of spice nurseries Objective : To strengthen the infrastructure of the existing nurseries to meet the accreditation norms and to ensure production and supply of good quality disease free planting material of desired high yielding varieties; To develop a network of accredited nurseries to fulfill the requirement of planting material of the spice growers. Non-availability of quality planting material had been a major bottleneck in improving the production and productivity of spices crop.  Govt./Public Sector nurseries could hardly cater to 10-15% of the total requirement of planting material in the spices sector.  The rest has to be met through private sector.  Poor quality planting material supplied by private nurseries cause great loss to the farmers especially in perennial crops where they realize the truth only after couple of years.  Genuinity of the variety and health of the planting material raised are two important factors that determine the quality of planting material.  These two factors can be addressed only if there is required infrastructure in the nurseries. As the price of the Black Pepper and Nutmeg improved, the demand for planting material increased and hundreds of small unregulated private nurseries spanned in these tracts which started

Nursery Accreditation To ensure the quality of planting materials used in MIDH programmes, the Govt. of India has made it mandatory that the planting material used for schemes like area expansion/replanting/rejuvenation should be procured from accredited nurseries only. The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare (DAC & FW), Government of India, has authorised the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Calicut to put in place a Nursery Recognition Regime for Spices so that a network of recognized Model Nursery is established across the nation which could function as a reliable source of supply of quality planting materials for spice crops. The DAC & FW, Govt of India has entrusted DASD for accrediting the spice nurseries based on all the quality parameters. To facilitate accreditation of nurseries of spice crops, the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Calicut has initiated a programme for giving graded recognition to spice nurseries. Towards this direction, the Directorate invites applications from public sector and private sector spice nurseries for recognition under DASD accreditation programme. DASD will grant graded recognition to nurseries based on their infrastructure, production system & quality parameters of planting material and management practices adopted. The spice nurseries seeking DASD recognition will have to apply as per the guidelines available in this site as well as in DASD website. at www.dasd.gov.in. Each application shall be accompanied by all documents as detailed in the guidelines. A processing fee @ Rs.3,000/- in the form of a demand draft in favour of the Pay and Accounts Officer, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, payable at Kochi is also to be enclosed along with the application. No processing fee is required for State/Central Government Institutes. General Requirements Genuineness and good health is paramount for ensuring high quality in planting materials. Hence under accreditation programme, DASD will grant graded recognition based on the infrastructure, production system & quality parameters of planting material and management practices adopted. The general requirements for accreditation are as under: Shall have own block of mother plants and ensure varietal purity of the planting materials produced Have proper infrastructure facilities for production of quality planting materials Facility for potting media preparation and facility for work shed Proper irrigation facility should be there Ensure clear labelling/tagging of the variety propagated Planting materials for sale should have proper label and tag for each variety Ensure clear labelling/tagging of the variety propagated Follow standard operating procedure for good nursery management practices (available in www.spicenurseries.in) Ensure production of healthy seedlings, free from diseases, pests and nutrient deficiencies. Nurseries should follow technically prescribed method for plant protection Ensure production of healthy seedlings, free from diseases, pests and nutrient deficiencies. Nurseries should follow technically prescribed method for plant protection Maintain separate register for production (stock) and sale of seedlings along with the receipts/ bills Calendar of operations should be displayed in the nursery in the form of flow chart Have sufficient skilled and technical manpower Have minimum connectivity to nursery by road or rail Download Guidelines for establishment of Spices Nurseries Application form for Nursery Accreditation Application form for nursery upgradation Guidelines and practices for model sucker nursery of large cardamom

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

New technologies in crop production developed at various Central Research Institutes and State Agricultural Universities can be effectively utilized in the field, only if the farmers are given required training in employing these technologies. The training programmes were implemented by the Directorate since 2009-10 and has received very good response from the field. The Directorate proposes to conduct 155 nos of farmers’ training programmes in association with different State Agricultural Universities and ICAR Institutes and reputed NGOs with financial involvement of Rs 75,000/- per training programme. The training programme will be of one day duration involving 75 numbers of farmers. The farmers will be provided food and accommodation and travel expenses during the period under training. The financial provision made will also be utilized for meeting expenses like hall rent, training material / information kit, travel allowance and honorarium for the resource persons, local arrangement of transport, audio visual aids and publicity charges. Skill Development Programmes: Pradhan MantriKaushalVikasYojana (PMKVY) is the flagship outcome-based skill training scheme of the new ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The objective of the scheme is to enable and mobilize a large number of unemployed Indian youth to take up outcome-based skill training. The scheme offers meaningful, industry relevant, skill-based training to enable youth to get wages or self-employment leading to increased earnings and/or improved working conditions such as getting formal certifications for informal skills. The Directorate proposes to implement training modules for skill sets like Gardener/ coriander cultivator/ chilli cultivator / vermicompost producer/ Medicinal plants grower etc. The training duration varies with job role as defined by ASCI. The facilities and expertise of KVKs, State Agricultural Universities and authorized training centres will be utilized for imparting skill training for selected job roles. Total cost expected for conducting 3 such trainings (25 selected candidate/ course) is Rs.20.00 Lakhs.  The skill trainings and evaluation of the trainees will be done as per the guidelines provided in ASCI National Occupational Standards.  

National /State/District level Seminars / Workshops In order to popularize the high yielding varieties and scientific technologies available from Research Institutes among the extension workers of the State Departments and Progressive farming community on the cultivation of Arecanut, spices, medicinal and aromatic plants, it is proposed to organize 1 National Level Seminar @ Rs 5 lakhs /event, 13 State level Seminars @ Rs 3.00 lakhs/event and 15 District level Seminars @ Rs 2.00 lakhs/event as per the cost norms provided in the operational Guidelines of the MIDH. Financial provision made includes the hall rent, training materials /information kits, working lunch, other refreshments, travel cost of the non-official participants, honorarium to the resource persons, local arrangement for transport, audio video and publicity charges, accommodation of farmers etc.  

4.1. Establishment of Microrhizome based disease free Ginger seed production facility in different states The ‘National Consultative Meet on ginger and turmeric planting material production’ held in 2014 had recommended to establish a production system for planting material of ginger and turmeric which can ensure freedom from disease and maintain the purity in the planting material produced for distribution to farmers. Based on this recommendation, DASD had implemented the programme for microrhizome production in these crops at three different centres viz. KAU, IISR & TNAU in 2016-17 and continued in selected centres till 2023-24. The disease free seedlings / rhizomes produced under this programme has been distributed to progressive farmers for field level multiplication. This programme gives financial support to culture ginger micro rhizome plants which is used for disease free seed production in ginger.  It is expected to raise 25,000 nos of ginger micro rhizomes in each lab which can give rise to 25 tonnes of ginger seed. 4.2Development and demonstration of Top Shoot Production Model for Black Pepper Black pepper is one of the most traded spices globally, with India holding a premium position due to its superior quality. However, productivity in India remains significantly lower (400–500 kg/ha) compared to countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brazil, where it exceeds 1500 kg/ha due to adoption of modern cultivation practices and the use of superior planting materials—especially rooted orthotropic (top) shoots. In India, there is an increasing demand for disease-free, high-quality top shoots (for vine pepper) and lateral shoots (for bush pepper), but supply remains inadequate. The traditional practice of collecting shoots from yielding plantations affects productivity. To address this gap, the Directorate proposes to demonstrate a low-cost, high-density top shoot production model in collaboration with Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) at the Panniyur Research Station, Kannur. The project aims to standardize planting density, nutrient schedules, and harvesting intervals for optimal production of orthotropic and plagiotropic shoots. About 640 mother plants will be established on a one-acre plot, planted on concrete supports of different heights (6 ft and 12 ft), following KAU-recommended nutrient practices. The model will facilitate year-round shoot production and act as a replicable unit for commercial nurseries. The project is expected to generate approximately 16,000 orthotropic shoots and 6,400 plagiotropic shoots annually, significantly boosting the availability of quality planting material. Once standardized, this model will help meet the growing demand for elite planting materials, enhance the distribution of high-yielding varieties, and support income generation for nurseries and farmers. 4.3. Value Chain study of Cinnamon Cinnamon (Cinnamomumzeylanicum) is a high-value spice with diverse applications in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, owing to its potent bioactive compounds including cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid. Despite its numerous health benefits and strong market demand, cinnamon cultivation in India remains limited, with only about 200 hectares under cultivation and domestic production of just 100 tonnes. As a result, India imports large quantities of cassia, cheaper substitute for cinnamon, amounting to around 37,814 tonnes in 2023–24, leading to a substantial foreign exchange drain of ₹789 crore. Recognizing the potential of this crop for import substitution and sustainable cultivation, particularly as an intercrop in coconut plantations DASD, in collaboration with ICAR-CPCRI, has developed and demonstrated successful intercropping models and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production and processing. To scale up these efforts and inform future interventions, DASD proposes to conduct a comprehensive value chain study of cinnamon in India. The study will cover key regions including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and the North Eastern states, and will examine existing cultivation practices, post-harvest handling, processing infrastructure, market dynamics, and stakeholder roles. The findings will guide strategic policy recommendations to enhance productivity, support farmer producer organizations (FPOs), improve value addition and processing, and strengthen domestic and export market integration. 4.4. Rejuvenation of Cochin Ginger and Alleppey Finger Turmeric for export promotion The Directorate has been implementing a three-year project titled “Rejuvenation of Cochin Ginger (CG) and Alleppey Finger Turmeric (AFT) for Export Promotion”, initiated in 2022–23. The project aims to address the growing demand for high-quality ginger and turmeric in global markets by identifying, purifying, and promoting elite genotypes of Cochin Ginger and AFT—two Kerala-based spice types known for their superior aroma, curcumin/volatile oil content, and export potential. Despite strong demand, availability of these types in pure form remains limited due to unorganized cultivation and admixture issues. The project targets to revive and standardize production through characterization, quality analysis, multiplication, and promotion of elite types in farmer clusters. In the first two years, the Directorate, in collaboration with Kerala Agricultural University, State Agriculture Department, export houses and Spices Board, conducted extensive surveys, quality analysis, and field multiplication trials. Four elite CG genotypes (CG-22, CG-31, CG-44, CG-47) and three AFT genotypes (AFT-19, AFT-31, AFT-39) were identified based on multi-location trials and biochemical profiling. However, due to climatic variation in the second season, further evaluation and multiplication were required to validate and stabilize curcumin and volatile oil content. During 2024-25 based on the biochemical profiling CG 47 and AFT 31 were identified true CG and AFT types.For the year 2025–26, the Directorate proposes to extend the programme to complete the following activities: (i) Evaluation and biochemical characterization of elite AFT genotypes, (ii) Repeat trial of elite CG genotypes and germplasm survey in hotspot areas like Idukki, and (iii) Mass multiplication of selected elite types in farmers’ fields across Idukki and Kottayam. The total financial requirement for carrying out these activities is Rs.11.00 lakhs, which includes costs for consultant and research assistant support, seed material, quality analysis, field development, labour, and contingencies. 4.5 Establishment of FLD for Identification and Genetic Purification of ByadgiChilli Cultivars DASD is implementing a three-year programme titled “Identification and Genetic Purification of ByadgiChilli Cultivars” in association with the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad. The initiative was launched in 2023–24 to address the growing concerns over the genetic erosion and heterogeneity of Byadgichilli—an internationally recognized traditional cultivar with Geographical Indication (GI) status known for its high colour value, mild pungency, and oleoresin content. Due