Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices 2026: Up to ₹25 Lakh Assistance for Spice Producer Groups
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Quick answer
The Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices supports Spice Producer Groups to improve post‑harvest handling, traceability and GAP plots. Eligible groups can receive up to ₹25 lakh for machinery, IT support, GAP demonstration and technical manpower. Applications are submitted online via the ServicesPlus portal after registration.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Financial assistance up to ₹25 lakh per Spice Producer Group for post‑harvest improvement, IT support, GAP plots and technical manpower. |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Commerce And Industry |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom: Post-Harvest Improvement – QGBG (Quality Gap Bridging Group) – Spice Producer’s Groups in Identified Clusters is implemented by the Spices Board, India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The objective is to strengthen the capacity of Spice Producer Groups to produce spices that meet quality, safety, and traceability standards by providing support to identified groups. The scheme operates during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–22 to 2025–26) as per approved modalities and guidelines.
Benefits
- Post‑harvest machine/equipment bank: assistance up to 90% of cost, maximum ₹15 lakh per Spice Producer’s Group, limited to two machines/equipment under each PHI component.
- IT support for online traceability platform: ₹1.28 lakh per Spice Producer’s Group for hardware, accessories and subscriptions.
- Establishment of GAP demonstration plot (0.4 ha): ₹1.50 lakh per Spice Producer’s Group, with up to ₹0.50 lakh/plot/year for three consecutive years.
- Support for technical manpower: ₹0.20 lakh per person per month for three consecutive years, as per MoU with Spices Board.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicable to all spice‑growing States and regions in India, with preference for ODOP districts, AEP clusters and operational areas of Spices Board collaborative projects.
- Group must be a legal entity (registered FPO, FPC, SHG, SPS or similar) capable of entering into a binding MoU with the Spices Board.
- Selection considers number of active members, group performance, infrastructure and capacity to implement the project; assistance amount is based on these factors.
- Sub‑components (post‑harvest equipment, IT support, GAP plot, technical manpower) are implemented together or in combination as decided by the Board, subject to MoU terms.
Documents required
- Proof of legal entity status (registration certificate).
- List of office bearers.
- Document showing registered office and location of functioning.
- List of active members with their spice‑cultivated area and estimated production per spice for the season.
- Details of any existing buy‑back arrangement with aggregator/exporter, if any.
- Details of earlier assistance received from any source for the same activity.
- Invoice and payment documents for purchase of equipment/device from a Spices Board‑empanelled manufacturer.
How to apply
- 1Visit the ServicesPlus website (serviceonline.gov.in/dbt/).
- 2Click on “Register” and fill the registration form with full name, email ID, mobile number, password, state and captcha.
- 3Submit the form, verify the OTP sent to your mobile/email to complete registration.
- 4Return to the ServicesPlus site and click “Login”.
- 5Enter your email ID, password and captcha to log in.
- 6Select the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices (QGBG) service/scheme.
- 7Fill in the required details in the application form and upload the necessary documents.
- 8Submit the application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the objective of the QGBG scheme?+
The scheme aims to strengthen Spice Producer Groups (SPGs) to produce spices with better quality, safety, and traceability by providing financial and technical support.
Who is eligible to apply?+
Only legally registered Spice Producer Groups (SPGs), such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Spice Producer Societies (SPSs), and other legally recognized entities that can enter into a binding agreement with the Spices Board are eligible.
Which areas are covered under the scheme?+
The scheme is available in all spice-growing States and Union Territories of India, with preference given to ODOP (One District One Product) districts, Agri Export Policy (AEP) clusters, and operational areas of collaborative national and international projects of the Spices Board.
What is the maximum financial assistance available?+
A maximum assistance of ₹25 lakh per Spice Producer Group is available under the scheme for eligible activities.
What assistance is available for setting up a Post-Harvest Machine/Equipment Bank?+
The scheme provides up to 90% of the cost, subject to the approved cost ceiling, with a maximum allocation of ₹15 lakh per Spice Producer Group. Assistance is limited to two machines/equipment under each PHI component.
What assistance is available for IT support?+
Each eligible Spice Producer Group can receive up to ₹1.28 lakh for hardware, accessories, subscriptions, and other IT support required for traceability and online marketing.
What assistance is available for GAP demonstration plots?+
Financial assistance of up to ₹1.50 lakh is available for establishing a 0.40‑hectare GAP plot, with support of up to ₹50,000 per plot per year for three consecutive years.
What support is available for technical manpower?+
The scheme provides ₹20,000 per person per month for technical manpower for three consecutive years, subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Spices Board.
Is signing an MoU with the Spices Board mandatory?+
Yes. Eligible Spice Producer Groups must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Spices Board before receiving assistance under applicable components.
How is the selection of Spice Producer Groups made?+
The number of active members, the group's performance, infrastructure, and capacity to successfully implement the project are important factors in selecting eligible groups and determining the amount of assistance.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)