‘Sustainability in spice sector through progressive, innovative and collaborative interventions for export development’ (SPICED) is a Spices board scheme.

• Aim: To expand the area under cardamom and increase productivity of small and large cardamom, export promotion, capacity building & skill development of stakeholders, etc.
• Major components of the scheme:  Improving productivity, post-harvest quality upgradation, market expansion efforts, trade promotion, technology interventions, research and capacity building, and skill development.
• Implementation during the remaining term of the 15th Finance Commission (from 2023-24 to 2025-26).

About Cardamom

• Cardamom is commercially cultivated for its dried fruits (capsules)
• Small Cardamom:
  • Native: Indigenous to the evergreen forests of Western Ghats of South India. 
  • Major producers of small cardamom: Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
  • Favorable conditions for Small Cardamom
    • Thick shady areas with loamy soil which are usually acidic are ideal.
    • Elevation: 600 to 1500 m.
    • Adequate drainage must be provided
• Large Cardamom
  • Distribution: Sub-Himalayan region of North Eastern India, Nepal and Bhutan.
  • Favorable conditions for Large Cardamom: average precipitation of 3000-3500 mm spread over about 200 days.
    • Temperature ranging from 6-30 degree C.