Gangtok, 7th September: Shri D Sathiyan IFS, Secretary Spices Board met Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang today to discuss the current production and export of spices and future prospects in the state known for large cardamom.
Secretary Spices Board outlined the projects and activities being implemented by the Board in the state starting with the Spices Park project at Namcheybong near Pakyong in East District under the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) scheme. The total cost of the project is Rs 26.51 crores and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India has released Rs 8.87 crores as the first instalment to the Board. The Board has signed an MoU with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for the construction of the spices park and the pre-construction activities have been commenced by the CPWD and the project is expected to be completed in 36 months.
It was also informed by the Secretary, Spices Board that an online auction for large cardamom would be introduced shortly in the state for ensuring better price realization to the farmers.
In regards to the exports, the Secretary notified that 10 prospective entrepreneurs in Sikkim will be identified and registered as exporters for major spices like large cardamom, ginger, turmeric, cherry peppers (Dalle khorsani) and so on in the state and the entrepreneurs will be supported under the Board’s export promotion schemes.
Apart from these projects and programmes, the Spices Board is implementing certified nursery programmes, replanting schemes, modified Bhatti scheme, and spice clinic for the benefit of large cardamom farmers in Sikkim.
Secretary Spices Board complimented the Government of Sikkim for implementing the farmer incentive scheme for large cardamom (Rs 100/kg) and other spices for increasing the production of spices in the state.
Sikkim is the largest producer of large cardamom. Though the area under production has declined, productivity is increasing. Blight disease is a major challenge in large cardamom cultivation. Use of disease-free quality planting material, regular replanting, adequate shade management, manuring, irrigation, application of biocontrol agents and Phyto sanitation will help to address the disease issue in large cardamom as well as improve productivity.
Hon’ble Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Board and asked them to work closely with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research institute at Gangtok, Indian Agricultural Research Institute at Pusa, New Delhi and Sikkim University to address the fungal and viral diseases of large cardamom to increase the production in the state.
Shri H K Sharma, Secretary, Commerce and Industry Department, Government of Sikkim, Tadong, Dr T N Deka, Scientist, Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Tadong, Shri M S Ramalingam, Deputy Director, Spices Board and Shri Phurba Tshering Lepcha, Assistant Director Spices Board were also present in the meeting