ENA Sectors 2024-08-23 18:22:20 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Aug 23 (KNN)</strong> In a significant move to boost spice industry, the Spices Board of India has unveiled a comprehensive scheme aimed at enhancing spice exports, improving productivity, and upgrading post-harvest quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The initiative, dubbed Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED), is set to be implemented until FY 2025-26 with a substantial outlay of Rs 422.30 crore.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The SPICED scheme introduces several innovative sub-components, including Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean and Safe Spices, promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) spices, and support for entrepreneurship through Spice Incubation Centres.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These programs are designed to drive innovation and sustainability in the sector while facilitating value addition.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A key focus of the scheme is empowering farmer groups, including Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies, and Self-Help Groups in major spice-growing regions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These groups will receive targeted assistance to enhance the creation of exportable surplus spices that comply with international food safety and quality standards.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For cardamom, both small and large varieties, the scheme aims to boost productivity through replanting efforts, production of quality planting material, development of water sources, and adoption of micro-irrigation systems.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Board is also introducing components to enhance market expansion, trade promotion, and technological interventions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These include support for processing and value-addition infrastructure, upgrading in-house laboratories, product development, market development, branding, and implementation of food safety mechanisms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These efforts are geared towards improving India's global competitiveness in the spice sector.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To bolster trade promotion, the scheme will support participation in international fairs, organise buyer-seller meets, and promote GI-tagged spices in domestic and global markets.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The online application process for various programs under the SPICED scheme is scheduled to commence from September 20, marking a significant step towards modernising and enhancing India's spice industry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This comprehensive approach underscores India's commitment to maintaining its position as a global leader in the spice trade while ensuring sustainable practices and improved livelihoods for spice farmers across the country.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 39055 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/india-unveils-rs-422-cr-spiced-scheme-to-boost-spice-exports-improve-quality 2024-08-23 18:22:20 knnindia.co.in