The Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD), established in 1966, is a premier institution under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, located in Kozhikode, Kerala. Since its inception, the Directorate has been rendering exemplary service in promoting the cultivation of spices and arecanut across the country. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in enhancing the production and productivity of these crops. DASD is entrusted with the development of spices, arecanut, betel leaves and aromatic plants throughout India. The Directorate is also responsible for the coordination of developmental activities carried out by various implementing agencies, including State Government Departments, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and ICAR Institutes. In addition, DASD has been designated as the nodal agency for the collection and compilation of data on the area and production of spices, arecanut, and betel leaves at National level, serving as a key resource for policy formulation and designing development programmes.