ISFEPQIISARADOCNSBQTOS

To promote field-level basic quality testing of spices, enabling farmers to assess produce quality, negotiate better prices, and receive fair value for their produce.

The Basic Quality Testing of Spices subcomponent is part of the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom, implemented by the Spices Board, India, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Based on consultations with various R&D institutes, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and entrepreneurs, it was found that devices for instant basic quality testing, such as moisture content meters and curcumin content testers for turmeric, have been developed and are being used by some groups and institutions. To help farmers assess the basic quality of their spice produce before trading, increase their confidence in negotiating prices, and ensure they receive a fair share for their efforts in improving and maintaining product quality, such devices are required at the field level.

The scheme is being implemented in accordance with the modalities and guidelines approved by the Competent Authority under the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–22 to 2025–26).

• All spice growing States and regions in India.
• All spice growing States and regions in India preferably in the ODOP (One District One Product) and clusters of Spices under AEP of MoC and operational area of collaborative national and international projects of Spices Board
• On receipt of application with documents, the Officer concerned will visit the Reg. Office of the AMC/APMC/group and evaluate the status, facility and arrangements available with the group for taking up the activity component successfully.
• Eligible application will be recommended to Divisional Officer/Regional Officer as the case may be for further scrutiny and issue of permission letter to sign MoU with the Board. Recommending Officer will arrange signing of MoU and collection of documents proving purchase and physically verify the installation of the equipment/device and recommend Eligible case for sanction of assistance.
• The AMC/APMC/group also need to enter into MoU with the supplying firm on annual maintenance of device, training of man power for operating the device and collection of any software charges etc. which is to be ensured by the officers concerned of the Board before recommending the case.

> 50% of the cost subject to a maximum of ₹10.00 Lakh for basic quality testing at AMC/APMC yards and 75% for Spice Producer's Groups subjected to maximum of ₹ 15.00 Lakh. Eligibility will be for spice trading centers legally existing spice producing or spice handling or spice trading groups. Assistance will be extended based on MoU with Spices Board.