KOCHI: As part of its plan to improve export-oriented production of small cardamom and to improve post-harvest processes of other spices, the Spices Board has decided to provide financial assistance to farmers for irrigation, land development, mechanisation, replanting, soil conservation and organic farming.

Under the new scheme, small cardamom cultivators in Kerala and Tamil Nadu will receive up to Rs 70,000 for replanting while farmers in Karnataka will get up to Rs 50,000. They will also receive aid for planting material production. To help small cardamom farmers in irrigation and land development, Board will provide financial assistance of up to 25 per cent of the actual cost of acquiring irrigation equipment and up to 50 per cent for water storage structure.

For soil conservation, they will get funding up to 25 per cent. Farmers will also get financial assistance in rainwater harvesting, for curing devices etc. "The eligibility criteria for availing the benefits are based on the land held by the grower and is different for each programme," said Spices Board chairman A Jayathilak.

Source:- economictimes.indiatimes.com