REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF SPICES BOARD FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2016

CONTENTS

EVENTS

AUCTION PERFORMANCE & PRICES

UTILISATION OF PLAN FUND

CROP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTION

RESEARCH

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

PUBLICITY

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

CODEX CELL

e-CHILLI BAZAAR PROJECT

I. EVENTS

• Secretary i/c attended the Review Meeting on 2nd September 2016 held under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary (Plantations) at New Delhi.

• Inaugural function of the Hindi Fortnight Celebrations 2016 held on 19th September, 2016 and Dr. Renu Raj IAS, Assistant Collector, Ernakulam was the guest of honour.

• Minister of State for Finance, Home (Rural) and Planning, Govt of Maharashtra (Shri Deepak Kesarkar) visited Spices Board on 20.9.2016 and had discussion with Chairman and officials of the Board regarding the Spices Development projects for Sindhudurg and Chandrapur Districts

• 84th Board Meeting held at Visakhpatnam on 21st September 2016.

• Eight Members of the Board along with the Secretary/Directors of the Board visited Spices Park at Guntur on 22.9.2016

• Chairman and other senior officers attended the meeting organized at Thiruvananthapuram on 27th September 2016 in connection with the Study Visit of the Committee on Papers Laid on the Table, Rajya Sabha.

II. AUCTION PERFORMANCE & PRICES

Prices of major spices

The price of Chilli and Cardamom (small) has increased during the month. However, the price of Pepper, Cardamom (large), Ginger, Turmeric, Coriander and Cumin has come down. The prices of major spices during September 2016 compared to the prices in last month and the same period in the last year is given in Table I.

Table I

Prices of Major Spices In India (Prices in Rs./Kg)

SPICE GRADE September 2016

August 2016

September 2015

August 2015

Pepper MG-1 711.00 751.85 664.38 659.00

Cardamom(Small) Ungraded 956.27 840.55 656.56 635.04

Cardamom(Large) Badadana 960.00 1134.37 1315.62 1431.25

Chotadana 907.50 1043.75 1256.25 1356.25

Chilli 116.94 114.75 96.56 84.12

Ginger New 157.00 165.00 202.50 221.56

Old 172.00 180.00 217.18 230.31

Turmeric Erode Finger 80.44 83.42 73.40 71.99

Coriander* Deluxe 88.00 89.37 116.87 120.00

Cumin* Ordinary 194.70 204.00 167.50 169.37

* Prices corresponds to Chennai market

Cardamom (Small) Auction

During September 2016, a quantity of 1374 tons of cardamom (small) was sold through auction. The average auction price during the month is Rs.956.27 per kg. The quantity auctioned and the average auction price during September 2016 compared with September 2015 is given in Table II.

Table – II

MONTHLY AUCTION SALES AND WT.AVG PRICES OF CARDAMOM(SMALL)

'( QTY IN M.T; PRICES IN RS/KG)

Sep-16 Aug -September 2016-2017

Sep-15 Aug-Septmber- 2015-2016

CENTRE

Qty. Wt.Avg. Price

Qty. Wt.Avg. Price

Qty. Wt.Avg. Price

Qty. Wt.Avg. Price

Kerala & Tamil Nadu 1373 956.32 3182 935.87 3553 656.63 6348 647.08

Karnataka - - 3 648.11 4 493.07 6 517.95

Maharashtra 1 990.45 2 927.25 3 810.14 9 733.80

All India 1374 956.27 3187 935.63 3560 656.56 6363 647.08

III. UTILISATION OF PLAN FUND

The expenditure statement of Plan fund up to 30-09-2016 is given in Table - III.

Table – III

(Rs. Crore)

Scheme Budget allocation (2016-17)

Expenditure (Apr- Sept 2016)

Export oriented production 26.50 14.33

Export Development & Promotion

18.50 10.81

Export Oriented Research 5.50 3.03

Quality Improvement 8.50 3.64

HRD & Works 1.00 0.92

Total 60.00 32.73

The total budget approved under Plan for the year 2016-17 is Rs.60.00 crore and an amount of Rs.42.75 crore has been released under Plan up to the month of September 2016. The details of the scheme wise budget allocation for the year 2016-17 based on the approved plan fund and expenditure up to September 2016 is given above.

IV. CROP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

Climatic Condition:

The climatic condition was generally favourable for growth and development of spice crops. Good South West Monsoon were received in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The climate was warm and humid and heavy rainfall received in NE region. Guna region had surplus rainfall. The climate condition was favourable for the sowing and field preparation of seed spices in Jodhpur. Climate condition was good with pretty rainfall in Sikkim region. Heavy rainfall received in southern Gujarat and sourashtra areas, and low rainfall in northern and kutch areas. The chilly growing areas received normal rainfall during the first fortnight of September month. Good rains have occurred in both Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh.

Crop Prospects: An overall decrease of 25 % production is expected in the case of small cardamom due to long dry spell prevailed in cardamom growing area and an increase of 5 percentage is expected in the case of large cardamom, when compared to last year. Pest and Disease outbreak: No pest/disease attack reported in small cardamom growing areas. Ginger rot and Quick wilt was observed in Ginger and pepper fields and chirkey and foorkey disease was observed in large cardamom in NE Region. Minor pest attack was reported in Large Cardamom cultivated North Sikkim. The suitable pest and disease management practices practices were advised to the farmers. No pest disease were reported in seed spice grown areas of jodhupur, Guajrat and Madhya Pradesh. No major pests/diseases reported apart from Katte, Kokke Kandu in old/neglected plantations from Karnataka. Necessary advices were given by the officers to manage the same. Special Assignments A series of training programme on large cardamom cultivation was held from 20th to 23rd Sept, 2016 at Longding District of Arunachal Pradesh with the help of District Administration. REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IMPLEMENTED DURING SEPTEMBER 2016 Spices Board will continue the ongoing schemes under the head, “Export Oriented Production and Post Harvest Improvement of Spices” for improving productivity of cardamom (small and large) and Post Harvest Improvement Programmes for Other Spices. Integrated Pest Management in chilli, Organic Production of Spices and Development of Spices in North East are also being implemented. Major schemes like, Replantation of Cardamom Plantations (Small & Large), Irrigation & Land development, Post harvest improvement etc. are implemented with an objective of improving the production and productivity of cardamom. (A) Cardamom (small) (i) Replantation The objective of this scheme is to address the issue of replanting of the old and uneconomic plantations of cardamom [small ] in the States of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

During the month residual payment of second installment subsidy had been released to the beneficiaries. An amount of Rs.153.90 lakhs had been paid towards second installment subsidy for cardamom replanting in Kerala & Tamilnadu for an area of 439.75 ha. Inspections are completed in Karnataka and an amount of Rs.3.70 lakhs had been paid towards second installment subsidy for cardamom replanting in Karnataka for an area of 15 ha. Residual payments are in progress. (ii) Planting Material Production Planting materials required for taking up replantation are produced through Departmental Nurseries of the Board, Certified Nurseries opened in growers’ field and large scale nurseries raised by growers’ associations, NGOs etc. with the technical supervision and financial assistance of the Board under the scheme. A total of 2.84 lakh number of cardamom seedlings and 2.56 lakh pepper rooted cutings have been distributed to the growers from the Board's Departmental Nurseries. In the case of certified nurseries established in growers field, inspections are completed and payment of subsidy is being arranged. Rs.2.56 lakhs had been paid as subsidy to 12 growers for producing 1.02 lakhs cardamom suckers in Kerala 2. Development Programmes for North East

(a) Large Cardamom Development (Sikkim & Darjeeling Dist of West Bengal)

Inspection had been conducted in 604 large cardamom planting material production and 2895 large cardamom replanting cases. An amount of Rs.100.17 lakh have been disbursed as subsidy to 2531 beneficiaries covering an area of 715.53 ha under second installment of replanting large cardamom. (b) Development of Spices in other North Eastern States Inspection had been conducted in 1644 large cardamom replanting cases with coverage of 666.65 ha for release of the second installment subsidy. Inspections are completed in 34 applications under the scheme for planting material production. The distribution process has been completed for 2.16 lakh of planting materials.

An amount of Rs.63.76 lakh have been disbursed as subsidy to 1413 beneficiaries for 455.40 ha under second installment of replanting large cardamom. Post Harvest Improvement of Spices This includes supply of pepper threshers, bamboo mats, turmeric boiling units, chilli IPM kits supply, Mint distillation unit, supply of polythene sheets; seed spices threshers; harvesting ladders for pepper; spice cleaners; nutmeg driers; spice washing equipments; ginger/ turmeric slicing equipments; nutmeg desheller; seed spice cleaning & storage unit; packing and storage unit for garlic; ginger peeling & storage unit. Upto the the month, 28 seed spice threshers,1 turmeric boiler,1 nutmeg dehuller, 7 nutmeg driers and distribution of 3750 polythene sheets were achieved at a total expenditure of Rs.80.04 lakhs. Organic Farming

The activity components under this programme includes assistance for obtaining organic certification, setting up of bio-agent units, promoting organic cultivation of spices and setting up of vermi-compost units. Up to the month Rs.1.11 lakh have been paid towards construction of 37 vermi compost units in NE Region. Rs.65.65 lakh had been paid to 306 beneficiaries towards organic cultivation of seed spices covering an area of 525.25 ha. Extension Advisory Service Transfer of technical know-how to growers on production and post harvest improvement practices of spices is imparted through this programme by way of extension visits, group meetings, seminars, distribution of technical literature etc. Implementation of various programmes is also taken up through this extension network. During the month of September 2016, 11649 extension visits and 709 group meetings/campaigns were conducted. The expenditure under the scheme upto the month is Rs.967.86 lakh.

District Collector Longding inaugurating the training programme in conference room at Longding District, Arunachal Pradesh on 20.9.2016

Dr.T.N.Deka,Scientist Itanagar explaining to farmers about disease mangement in large cardamom during the farm visit as a part of training programme conducted from 20.9.2016 to 23.9.2016 at Longding District,Ar.Pradesh.

Small cardamom plantation of Smt.T.H.Haseena, Virajpet area who had availed cardamom replanting scheme second installment subsidy

V. EXPORT DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTION

1. Licensing & Registration: Details with regard to Registration and Licensing activity during the month under report are given below:

Item No.of application received

No.of CRES/Licence issued

No.of inspection conducted

Remarks

CRES 89 83 6

Dealer 9 -- 8

65,000/-

2. Mandatory sampling of Chilly/Chilly products/Turmeric powder/ Cumin export consignments. During the month, a total of 560 nos. of samples (includes samples drawn from the export consignments of chilly/chilly products/turmeric as well as private samples) were received from Cochin region for analysis and 1850 nos reports were issued to the concerned parties. Supervision of stuffing of all the consignments which showed compliance had been arranged.

3. Imported Samples: During the month 139 Customs samples received and 46 numbers of Analysis Reports received from SRD are processed. 4. Infrastructure development: a) Hi-Tech Adoption/Technology Up-gradation Scheme: During the month payment of grant-in-aid was arranged to one exporter. b) Setting up/up gradation of In House Lab: During the month no new applications received under the scheme. c) Quality Certification :Under the scheme no new applications received. 5. Trade promotion a) International Trade Fair/Exhibition including MDA: MDA: During the month one claim application received and the same is under submission. Board's scheme: No new application is received. 6. Reimbursement of Courier Charges : During the month under report one new application is received and the same is under processing. 7. Product Development & Research: No applications received during the month. 8. Brand name Registration. During the month under report one application is received for Brand name registration 9. Brand Promotion Loan During the month one new application received and the same is submitted. 10. Packaging Development and Bar Coding. New applications not received from the exporters during the month.

VI. RESEARCH

A. SMALL CARDAMOM

Crop Improvement

At Myladumpara, collection of data and analysis from trial plots. At Sakaleshpur, 100 suckers of small cardamom were supplied to the planters. Kokum and Garcinia seeds were collected for raising seedlings.

Yield data of two cardamom hybrids are being recorded. Multiplication of black pepper by serpentine method was continued. Establishment of bush pepper in different nursery mixture were recorded and compiled. Maximum establishment was noted in 100 % coir pith compost (21.6 %).

Biotechnology

Genetic diversity studies in small cardamom and large cardamom was continued using molecular & morphological markers. Morphological data was compiled and data analysis is ongoing. Micro-satellite development in large cardamom was continued. Micro-satellites developed were tested for amplification in large cardamom DNA. Investigations on Gender specific markers was continued and data is under evaluation and analysis. Archaeo botany project: Micro morphological and anatomical studies on collected spice specimens were conducted. Chemical analysis with Indian Institute of Archaeology at Pattanam is underway.

Agronomy and Soil Science

At Myladumpara, advisory soil 61 nos from different cardamom growing regions of Kerala were analyzed for major, secondary & micro nutrients and reports were given for fertilization to cardamom. Plant Pathology

At Myladumpara, 34 soil samples (30 no. from soil amendment trial plots, and four from disease surveillance plots) were collected for screening for soil borne fungal, soil micro-flora, and soil status. Mass multiplied mother cultures of bio-agents such as Pseudomonas (428 L) and Trichoderma (91 L) and supplied to the farmers. Prepared 60 L PDA

medium and kept it for microbial inoculation. Cultured and isolated causal agent of infected stem tissue of Erythrina standards of Black pepper. Pheodactylum pure culture was prepared. Infected Cardamom

capsules collected from field plots of farmers were analyzed for fungal pathogen.

At Sakaleshpur, Rhizome rot tolerant germplasm accessions established in poly bags for in-vivo screening were challenge inoculated with Pythium and Rhizoctonia. OP seedlings raised during 2014–15 and 2015–16 were inoculated with Pythium and Rhizoctonia for screening against rhizome

rot. In order to standardize simple and convenient resistance screening method, cardamom seedlings raised in poly bags were given third round of inoculation with viruliferous aphids in two separate procedures. OP seedlings of katte tolerant variety KE 2 were planted in poly bags to study their level of tolerance through artificial screening. Entomology

At Myladumpara, Pest survey for shoot and capsule borer damage was conducted. Shoot borer lab culture was maintained and natural enemy parasitoids emergence was monitored. EPN–bio pesticide production was continued and total 18, 500 No was produced and supplied. Transfer of Technology

At Myladumpara, six hundred numbers of Pepper and Hundred Cardamom plants supplied to farmers, hundred numbers of different spices like Cardamom, Pepper, Pepper longam, Oregano, Mint, Sage and Rosemary supplied to H.O, Cochin. At Saklespur,Produced and supplied 20 kg of Trichoderma (solid) to the

planters. LARGE CARDAMOM Collected two germplasm accessions viz: one accession from Heegoan (Seremna) and another from Phodong (Sawney). Received IC no. for 75

accessions of large cardamom from NBPGR, New Delhi. Supplied 25L Pseudomonas to the needy farmers

Transfer Technology Conducted Spice clinic at Chelkhola, Gurubathan, Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Director Research attended the UPASI Indian International Annual Conference at Ooty and made a presentation of the activities of Spices Board in the Commodity Board Outlook session.

VII. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

I) Analytical services

During the month of September, 2016, a total of 6894 samples of spices and spices products were analyzed for various parameters like Aflatoxin, pesticide residues, illegal dyes in chilli and chilli products, turmeric powder and extraneous matter in cumin in the Regional Quality Evaluation Labs of the Board and a revenue of Rs.1,10,90,227 was collected as analytical charges.

II) ISO systems related activities

• For the external ISO audits, documents like calibration records, AMC records, AMC visit due register, retesting of retained samples, training records etc were verified and updated.

• Samples were prepared and send to the participants laboratory by QEL, Kochi under the ILC program for residue parameters

• QEL-Guntur/Chennai/Tuticorin/Kochi/Mumbai completed analysis ASTA samples for Chemical and Microbiological parameteres and uploaded the results in their website

• At QEL, Kochi external assessment for ISO 9001 & 14001 system was conducted by BSI, Chennai on 20-09-16 & 21-09-16 and recommended for the continual certification without any major nonconformities.

• QEL, Kochi submitted documents for Desktop surveillance audit by NABL alongwith requisite fees during the month.

• QEL, Kochi conducted analysis to verify the bio-burden, lab air quality, environmental monitoring for Salmonella during the month

as part of Quality assurance and environmental monitoring of Microbiology section.

• Suppliers for balance and heating equipments conducted the maintenance visits under the Annual and 5 year comprehensive warranty at QEL, Kochi

III Other Activities

• Scientist from QEL, Kochi guided 2 M Sc students from St.Pauls college, Kalamassery for the dissertation project.

• Installation of VIDAS & Milli-Q water purification system was completed at QEL, Mumbai on 29-09-16 & 30-09-2016 respectively.

• Scientist from QEL, Narela attended high level India-EU dialog seminar at the Grand Hotel, New Delhi during 20-09-2016 & 21-09-2016

• Scientist from QEL, Narela attended examination duty at Himachal Pradesh from 22-09-2016 to 25-09-2016

• Scientist from QEL, Narela attended meeting on collaborative project on national directory of traditional food recipes of India at Lalit Hotel, New Delhi on 29-09-2016

• Scientist from QEL, Guntur attended training by supplier M/s Biomeriux for VIDAS, TEMPO and VITEX 2 systems .

• Technical staff from QEL, Kochi attented meeting on Gap trials and data generation in spices at Cochin on 8-9-2016

• Scientists from QEL, Kochi & Narela attended CCASIA Meeting at Delhi from 26-09-2016 and 30-09-2016 (Training on online commenting also received from Codex Secretariat during the period)

• QEL, Kochi collected ILC results for microbiological parameters from participant labs and the same was compiled during the month

• Scientist from QEL, Narela attended RASSF notification review meeting on 9-9-2016 at Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi.

• QEL, Narela got NABL accreditation. VIII. PUBLICITY

• Board had participated in the following 3 international exhibitions.

1) Fine Food Australia 2016, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia during 12-15th September, 2016

2) BIOFACH America- All Things Organic, Baltimore Convention Centre, Baltimore, Maryland, USA during 22-24 September, 2016 3) Expo alimentaria 2016, Jockey Exhibition Centre during 28-30th September, 2016

• Sea Food Exhibition organized by MPEDA during 23-25th September, 2016 at Visakhapatnam has also been attended by the Board.

IX. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Spice India(Hindi)

• Sent proof for August 2016 issue to press • Forwarded materials to press for September 2016 issue • Collected materials for October 2016 issue • Arranged payment towards remuneration for the original article

published in the magazine

Annual Report 2015

• Completed first proof and sent to press • Verified the Hindi material composed with the final English text

and handed over to Editor for further necessary action

Hindi Day/ Fortnight Celebrations 2016

• Made preliminary arrangements like issue of circulars, sending letters to judges etc. for special programmes in connection with HFC 2016 in HO

• Arranged inaugural function of the Hindi Fortnight Celebrations 2016 on 19/09/2016 in HO. Chairman presided over function and Dr.Renu Raj IAS, Asst. Collector, Ernakulam was the guest of honour.

Presidential address by the Chairman Inauguration by litting the lamp by the Guest of honour

• Conducted various Hindi competitions for the officials/staff members in Head Office

• Arranged advance for RO, Barabanki, RRS, Gangtok, RO, Sikkim, ICRI, Myladumpara and RRS, Sakaleshpur to celebrate HF 2016

Regional Hindi workshop- Guwahati

• Arranged one day Regional Hindi workshop in Guwahati on 3 September 2016 for the officials of the Board working in NE region. Shri P.M.Suresh Kumar, Director (Dev) inaugurated the workshop and Shri Mohan Koirala, Hindi Officer, Brahmaputra Board, Guwahati conducted the workshop

Director(Dev) inaugurates the Shri Mohan Koirala, HindiOfficer,

RO workshop Brahmaputra Board conducting the workshop

In-service Hindi training

• Arranged DD(Rs.100/-) towards exam fee for the staff to appear for the Hindi exam in Nov 2016 and forwarded the filled in application to DD(South), HTS, Chennai

• Arranged exam fee (Rs.200/-) for the two staff members undergoing Hindi typewriting training under HTS Kochi

Hindi Training Camp & Conference

• Nominated one official from ZO, Kalimpong for the OL Camp and Conference scheduled to be held in Darjeeling in October2016

Translation

• Tenders (CCSCH) – 2 nos.[Hosted in website] • Tender notice from EDP[Hosted in website] • Notification for SET selection – 2 nos [Hosted in website] • Letter received from RO, Kota with regard to office building • VIP reference from M/o Commerce • Materials viz Filled in Questionnaire, annexure and background

note for the Committee of Parliament on the papers laid on the table of Rajya Sabha

X. CODEX CELL

Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs

• The final draft discussion paper for the eWG on Grouping of Spices and Culinary herbs was submitted to Codex Secretariat.

• The final draft standard for the BWG Peppers was submitted to Codex Secretariat.

• Comments on the final draft standard for Cumin, Thyme and Oregano was submitted to NCCP.

• Letter from Chairman, Spices Board regarding the forthcoming meeting of CCSCH was sent to various Indian Embassies of different nations.

• Letter from Chairman, Spices Board regarding the third session of CCSCH was sent to DGP and Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu.

• Letter from Chairman, Spices Board was sent to MEA, MHA and MoC to accord the necessary clearance from ministry to hold the third session of CCSCH during 6th to 10th February, 2017.

• Letter from Chairman, Spices Board was sent to Additional Secretary, MoC seeking his permission to chair the Shadow Committee meeting of the CCSCH

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

ii) Meeting on GAP trials and submission of monitoring of data in spices for submission to JMPR was conducted on 8th September 2016 at Board Room, Spices Board. Dr. K. K. Sharma, Network Coordinator, AINP on Pesticide Residues, IARI, New Delhi, chaired the meeting.

Codex Co-ordinating Committee for ASIA

Five Officials from Spices Board attended the 20th Session of Codex Coordinating Committee for ASIA held from 26th to 30th September 2016 at hotel Latit, New Delhi.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

A Joint proposal from Spices Board and MPEDA for participating in the 48th session of CCFH going to be held at Los Angeles, USA was prepared and sent to MoC.

XI. e-CHILLI BAZAAR PROJECT

e-Spice Bazaar Traceability project has recorded good progress in the month of September 2016. A total of 22910 farmers and 3476 farms were registered under e-Spice Bazaar in the month of September. Total area registered was 9199.85 acres in which 1711.93 acres of Chilly and 274.91 acres of Turmeric were covered. Full registration is expected to be completed by the last week of October 2016 and farmer groups are also being formed to facilitate group interaction, training on technical inputs and formation of farmer producer organizations. Brochures on e-Spice Bazaar were printed and distributed to all the NGO organizations. All the NGO Organizations are submitting biweekly reports besides monthly resumes to monitor the progress of the project. Nilagiri : A total of 1349 farmers and 641 farms were registered under e-Spice Bazaar in the month of September. Total area registered was 1258.76 acres in which 558.95 acres of Chilly and 274.91 acres of Turmeric were covered. 1. Turmeric: The turmeric crop is different stages like 70 to 90 days.

The Crop growth is satisfactory. The crop is healthy, pests and diseases are under control.

2. Chilly: The Chilly operational area received normal rainfall during 1st fort night of September. All the chilly operational area received heavy rainfall of 20 to 30 cm during second fortnight of September. The chilly crop faced waterlogged conditions leading to wilting of the crop in some areas. Farmers drained the stagnant water and created aerobic conditions to promote crop growth. Farmers are giving soil application of fertilizers in addition to foliar spraying of NPK and Micronutrients to recover the affected crop. The chilly crop in the transplanted filed is of 60 to 70 days old. The crop is in active vegetative growth and started flowering also in early planted fields Total 21 group meetings were organized in which a total 365 farmers attended the group meeting. Covered agronomic and plant protection measures to be taken in the turmeric crop.

Participation in Chilly IPM training program organized by Department of Horticulture

Pothana Educational Society (PES) : A total of 8017 farmers and 4 farms were registered under e-Spice Bazaar in the month of September. Total area registered was 4.35 acres. Four Field Coordinators from PES out of 12 completed the 1000 farmer’s registrations. Total of nine meetings were organised for farmers and created awareness on e -Spice Bazaar project and registration. Effort: A total of 7655 farmers and 2828 farms were registered under e-Spice Bazaar in the month of September by Effort organization. Total area covered was 7927.76 acres in which 1149.98 acres of Chilly were registered. Nearly 30 to 40 mass meetings were conducted by the Field Coordinators in the villages to educate the farmers on e-Spice Bazaar Traceability Project. Recent rains speeded up the sowing activity throughout the project area. Almost all the target farmers completed the transplantation activity. Most of the farmers are using Teja and related varieties while cultivating chilly crop. During the reporting period project staff identified various diseases in the chilly crop and took suggestions from Spices Board/Logic Soft and forward the same to farmers. PRDIS : A total of 5889 farmers and three farms were registered under e-Spice Bazaar in the month of September by PRDIS. Total area covered was 9 acres in which 3 acres under Chilly were registered. Four FCs from PRDIS completed their target of 1000 farmers. Crop is in good condition and there are some incidence of pests and diseases. Nearly 10 meetings

were conducted to farmers to explain about e-spice Bazaar project and technical advices.

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