Spice Area Expansion

Description
The “Spice Area Expansion” scheme is implemented by the Department of Horticulture, Government of Uttarakhand. It aims to promote and expand the cultivation of high-value spices such as ginger, chili, turmeric, and garlic among farmers by providing quality seeds and tubers at a subsidized rate, thereby increasing spice production and enhancing farmers’ income in Uttarakhand.

Exclusions
• <br>

Benefits
• To promote spice cultivation among farmers, spice seeds and tubers (ginger, chili, turmeric, and garlic) are provided at a 50% subsidy on the total cost, up to ₹15,000/- per hectare. These seeds are available for a maximum of 4 hectares of land.
• For example, if 1 kg of ginger costs ₹200/-, the farmer pays ₹100/- to the concerned Horticulture Mobile team Center, while the government bears the remaining ₹100/- as a subsidy, allowing the farmer to obtain the tuber for ₹100/-.
• <br>

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant must be a resident of Uttarakhand.
2. The applicant must be a farmer and hold a Udhyan Card.
3. The farmer must either own agricultural land or have land on lease.
4. <br>

Required Documents
• Land-related documents, such as Khasra and Khatauni (lease certificate, in case of leased land)
• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Udhyan Card
• Bank account details
• Mobile Number
• Other supporting documents as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A: Farmers who own land or have leased land and are holders of a garden/horticulture card are eligible.
<br>

Q: What is the subsidy provided under the scheme?
A: Spice seeds and tubers are provided at a 50% subsidy of the total cost, up to ₹15,000 per hectare.
<br>

Q: What is the maximum area eligible for subsidy?
A: The subsidy is available for a maximum of 4 hectares of land per farmer.
<br>

Q: How are the seeds and tubers provided to the farmers?
A: Seeds and tubers are supplied through the Horticulture Mobile Squad Centres at a 50% subsidized cost.
<br>

Q: When should applications for turmeric and ginger be submitted?
A: Applications for turmeric and ginger should be submitted in February or March.
<br>

Q: When should applications for other crops be submitted?
A: Applications for other spices must be submitted at least one month prior to the sowing date.
<br>

Q: What if a farmer has difficulty filling out the application form?
A: The staff at the respective Horticulture Mobile Squad Centre will assist the farmers in filling out the form.
<br>

Q: How are centrally funded scheme applications processed?
A: After submission, proposals are sent from the Horticulture Mobile Squad Centre to the district, then state level, and finally to the Government of India. Approved action plans are communicated back to the district level.
<br>

Q: How are state-sponsored scheme applications processed?
A: Applications are sent from the Horticulture Mobile Squad Centre to the district, then to the Directorate. Once approved by the Directorate, work orders are issued to the districts as per the Government Order.
<br>

Q: How does a farmer know if their proposal is approved?
A: The district officer sends an acceptance letter and informs the farmer via phone once the proposal is approved.
<br>