Press Release
Press Release from Spices Board-Regional Office, Gangtok
Information & Public Relations Department
Spices Board Honours Top Cardamom Growers at Itanagar Mega-Event
ITANAGAR, March 14, 2026 – In a significant boost to the spice industry of the North Eastern Region (NER), the Spices Board of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India, hosted the Large Cardamom Productivity Award Distribution and Buyer-Seller Meet today at the DK Convention Hall. The event brought together over 250 spice growers, including members of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Organizations (FPOs) from across Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and other states recognizing excellence in cultivation.
The ceremony served as a prestigious platform to honour farmers, mostly women, who have achieved exceptional yields through scientific and sustainable cultivation practices. Productivity awards for four consecutive cycles—2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26—were distributed to recognize the long-term dedication of the region's growers.
The awards carry significant incentives:
First Prize: ₹1,00,000 cash award, a citation, and a certificate.
Second Prize: ₹50,000 cash award, a citation, and a certificate.
Special Recognition: One second prize in each cycle is reserved exclusively for women growers to encourage female participation in the value chain.
Leading the Way:
Top Awardees
Among the distinguished winners, Smt. Sonam Ongmu Lepcha (Sikkim) and Smt. Nimchung Lepcha (Sikkim) secured First Prizes for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 periods respectively, with impressive productivity rates exceeding 1,600 kg per hectare. Other notable winners included Shri Som Bahadur Rai (West Bengal), Shri Ringshi Lepcha, Sipthang Menrogang, North Sikkim, Shri Nim Tshering Lepcha , Sindrang Village, Gyalshing. West Sikkim , Smt. Dugi Yadik (Arunachal Pradesh), Smt. Toko Mary (Arunachal Pradesh), and Smt. Kudutalu (Nagaland).
The event was graced by Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Horticulture (Arunachal Pradesh), as the Chief Guest. Key dignitaries included Smt. Koj Rinya IFS, Secretary of Horticulture, and senior officials from the Spices Board of India, including Director Shri Dharmendra Das and Deputy Directors from Guwahati and Gangtok.
The Spices Board continues to emphasize expansion in non-traditional areas like Arunachal Pradesh and other states providing support for replanting and maintenance to ensure that Large Cardamom remains a cornerstone of the region’s cash crop economy.
ITANAGAR, March 14, 2026 – In a significant boost to the spice industry of the North Eastern Region (NER), the Spices Board of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India, hosted the Large Cardamom Productivity Award Distribution and Buyer-Seller Meet today at the DK Convention Hall. The event brought together over 250 spice growers, including members of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Organizations (FPOs) from across Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and other states recognizing excellence in cultivation.
The ceremony served as a prestigious platform to honour farmers, mostly women, who have achieved exceptional yields through scientific and sustainable cultivation practices. Productivity awards for four consecutive cycles—2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26—were distributed to recognize the long-term dedication of the region's growers.
The awards carry significant incentives:
First Prize: ₹1,00,000 cash award, a citation, and a certificate.
Second Prize: ₹50,000 cash award, a citation, and a certificate.
Special Recognition: One second prize in each cycle is reserved exclusively for women growers to encourage female participation in the value chain.
Leading the Way:
Top Awardees
Among the distinguished winners, Smt. Sonam Ongmu Lepcha (Sikkim) and Smt. Nimchung Lepcha (Sikkim) secured First Prizes for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 periods respectively, with impressive productivity rates exceeding 1,600 kg per hectare. Other notable winners included Shri Som Bahadur Rai (West Bengal), Shri Ringshi Lepcha, Sipthang Menrogang, North Sikkim, Shri Nim Tshering Lepcha , Sindrang Village, Gyalshing. West Sikkim , Smt. Dugi Yadik (Arunachal Pradesh), Smt. Toko Mary (Arunachal Pradesh), and Smt. Kudutalu (Nagaland).
The event was graced by Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Horticulture (Arunachal Pradesh), as the Chief Guest. Key dignitaries included Smt. Koj Rinya IFS, Secretary of Horticulture, and senior officials from the Spices Board of India, including Director Shri Dharmendra Das and Deputy Directors from Guwahati and Gangtok.
The Spices Board continues to emphasize expansion in non-traditional areas like Arunachal Pradesh and other states providing support for replanting and maintenance to ensure that Large Cardamom remains a cornerstone of the region’s cash crop economy.
