Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom: Post-Harvest Improvement: QGBG (Quality Gap Bridging Group) - Spice Producer’s Groups in Identified Clusters

Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom: Post-Harvest Improvement – QGBG (Quality Gap Bridging Group) – Spice Producer’s Groups in Identified Clusters is implemented by the Spices Board, India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The objective of the scheme is to strengthen the capacity of Spice Producer Groups (SPGs) to produce spices that meet quality, safety, and traceability standards by providing support to identified groups.
The scheme is being implemented in accordance with the modalities and guidelines approved by the Competent Authority under the Integrated Scheme for Export Promotion & Quality Improvement in Spices and Research and Development of Cardamom during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–22 to 2025–26).

Assistance subjected to a maximum of ₹ 25 Lakhs per Spice Producer's Groups for the following activities-
1. Post-harvest machine /equipment bank:
Setting up of post-harvest machine/equipment bank availing the assistance under the Post-harvest improvement programme of the Board during next five years at a maximum of 90 % of the cost, limited to the cost ceiling of each programme/ programmes fixed for Spice Producer's Groups in this working procedure. Assistance for Spice Producer's Groups will be for only two machine/equipment under each component of the PHI programme for use among the members of the Spice Producer's Groups. The custodian of the machines/equipments availed under the Board’s programme will be the designated office bearer of the Spice Producer's Groups (₹ 15 Lakh / Spice Producer’s Groups)
2. IT support for joining online platform on traceability and improving quantum of sale by the Spice Producer's Groups (hardware +other required accessories and subscriptions) (₹ 1.28 lakhs/ Spice Producer’s Groups)
3. Establishment of plot for GAP ( ₹ 1.50 lakhs/ Spice Producer's Groups )- Area 0.4ha. Assistance proposal based and on standard cost of cultivation, at maximum of ₹ 0.50 lakh/plot/year for 3 consecutive years.
4. Support for technical manpower for maintenance of online platforms, GAP plot and office of Spice Producer's Groups ( ₹ 0.20 lakh/person/month for 3 consecutive years) The above assistance will be provided to Spices Producers Group based on MoU with Spices Board.
Group need to be a legal entity such as registered FPO, FPC, SHG, SPS and other such entities which can enter into a legally binding agreement. Those entities which are restricted from receiving assistance other than promoting/sponsoring agencies are not eligible under the component. Assistance will be released based on terms and conditions by NITI Aayog.

1.All spice growing States and regions in India preferably in the ODOP (One District One Product) and clusters of Spices under AEP of MoC and operational area of collaborative national and international projects of Spices Board
2.On receipt of application with documents, the Officer concerned will visit the Reg. Office of the group and evaluate the status, facility and arrangements available with the group for taking up the activity components successfully. Eligible application will be recommended to Divisional Officer/Regional Officer as the case may be for further scrutiny and issue of permission letter to the group to sign MoU with the Board. Recommending Officer will arrange signing of MoU and collection of documents proving purchase and physically verify the installation of the equipment/device and recommend Eligible case for sanction of assistance.
3.Other assistance on IT support, establishment of GAP plot and support for technical manpower under the component will be extended based on the terms and conditions stipulated in the MoU. Number of members in a group will be a deciding factor for selection of the group and quantum of assistance. The subcomponents (1 to 4) will be implemented together in exemplary groups with good track record and singly or clubbing 2 components as decided by the Board.

Online

Registration
Step 1: The applicant should visit the ServicesPlus website.
Step 2: Click on the “Register” option on the homepage.
Step 3: Fill out the registration form by entering Full Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, Password, selecting State, and Captcha.
Step 4: Review all details carefully and submit the registration form.
Step 5: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number or email; enter the OTP and click “Verify.”
Step 6: Registration will be completed successfully, and a confirmation message will be displayed or sent via email.
Login
Step 1: The applicant should visit the ServicesPlus website and click on “Login.”
Step 2: Enter your Email ID, Password, and Captcha.
Step 3: Select the relevant service/scheme name.
Step 4: Fill in the required details in the application form.
Step 5: Submit the application.

a) Documents to prove legal entity
b) List of Office bearers.
c) Document on the registered office and location of its function
d) List of active members with their area under spices and estimated production of each spice for the season.
e) Details on existing buy back arrange with aggregator/exporter if any
f) Details of any earlier assistance received from any source for the assistance applied for from Spices Board.
g) Invoice and payment documents towards purchase from valid manufacturer of the equipment/device empaneled by Spices Board