Spices Board Signs MoU to Support Kerala’s KERA Project; Induction Training for Cardamom Sector Begins

Kottayam/Idukki, June 4, 2025: The Spices Board of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Kerala to support the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization (KERA) Project, a World Bank-assisted initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the state’s agricultural sector. 

The MoU was signed on June 2, 2025, at the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), Kottayam, by Dr. Rema Shree A.B., Director of the Spices Board, and P. Vishnuraj Additional Project Director of the KERA Project and Director of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala. The KERA project, supported by the World Bank, aims to strengthen climate-resilient agricultural practices and modernize value chains across the state. Scheduled for implementation from 2025 to 2029, the project will focus on improving productivity, sustainability, and income opportunities for farmers by enhancing infrastructure, adopting innovative technologies, and building institutional capacity.

To initiate the groundwork, a two-day induction training for implementing officers began on June 3, 2025, at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI), Myladumpara. A total of 68 personnel, including 44 Agriculture Officers from eight blocks of Idukki, staff from the District Industries Centre, Idukki, and representatives from the Spices Board, participated in the training. Over its five-year duration, the KERA Project aims to sensitize around 22,000 small and marginal cardamom growers on recommended replanting practices, train 7,000 growers on climate-resilient varieties and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and build capacity among the key staff of implementing partners. Additionally, it will support the replanting of 3,500 hectares through replanting grants, assist 30 farmer groups in achieving GAP certification, and facilitate credit support to growers for on-farm investments. A detailed notification inviting applications under the scheme is expected to be issued by the end of June 2025.