SUOMOTO DISCLOSURE

6.1 Item/information disclosed so that public have minimum resort to use of RTI Act to obtain information As mostly information is disclosed in the suo-moto disclosure, there are no frequently sought information under RTI. 6.2 Guideline for Indian Government website (GIGW) is followed (released in February, 2009 and included in the Central Secretariat Manual of Office procedures (CSMOP) by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Public Grievance and Pension, Govt. of India.  Security Audit testing by NIC, RCEC have been done, which is complaint to GIGW. 6.2.1   Whether STQC certification obtained and its validity Consultation with NIC empanelled agency is going on for obtaining STQC. However, as the website is under revamping stage, on completion the necessary STQC certification will be obtained. 6.2.2   Does the website show the certificate on the Website?  

5.1      Such other information as may be prescribed [F.No.1/2/2016-IR dt.17.08.2016, F.No.1/6/2011-1R dt.15.4.2013] (a) Name and details of Current FAAs & CPIOs Appellate Authority: Dr.Homey Cheriyan, Director Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Calicut 673005, Kerala. Phone- 0495-2765501, Fax-0495-2765777, email:spicedte@nic.in. Residence:2 B, Royal Harmony,K.T.Gopalan Road, Kottooli, Calicut Phone:04952742888 Central Public BabulalMeena, DeputyDirector,Directorateof Arecanut Information Officer: and   Spices   Development,   Calicut   673005,   Kerala. Phone-0495-2369877,Fax-0495-2765777,email: spicedte@nic.in Residence:HouseNo.525a/11,MeenaNivas,Meledath Paramba,KaipurathpalamRoad,Mokavoor,Eranhikkal P.O.,Calicut673303.  a.      Earlier FAAs & CPIO from 1.1.2015 Appellate Authority: Dr. Homey Cheriyan, Director Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development,Calicut 673005, Kerala. Phone- 0495-2765501, Fax-0495-2765777, email:spicedte@nic.in. Residence: 2B,RoyalHarmony,K.T.GopalanRoad,Kottooli,Calicut: Phone:04952742888 Central Public Information Officer: Babulal Meena, Deputy Director, Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development,Calicut673005, Kerala. Phone-0495-2369877,Fax-0495-2765777,email: spicedte@nic.in. Residence: House No.525a/11, Meena Nivas, Meledath Paramba, Kaipurathpalam Road, Mokavoor, Eranhikkal P.O.,Calicut 673303. Details of third party audit of voluntary disclosure Dates of audit carried out  : 2023-24 Report of the audit carried out : 2023-24 Appointment of Nodal Officers not below the rank of Joint Secretary/ Additional HoD- Shri K. Manojkumar has been appointed as Nodal officer for RTI vide Office Order No. F. No.6/1/2008-Gen dated6/1/2020-Gen dated 27th March, 2024 Consultancy committee of key stakeholders for advice on suo-moto disclosure ASuo-Moto disclosure Committee has been constituted as under vide office order No.F.No.6/1/2008-Gen dated 4th December,2019 and 6/1/2020-Gen dated 27th March, 2024 First Appellate Authority                       :           Dr Homey, Cheriyan, Director Nodal Officer                                          :           K. Manoj Kumar, Research Officer CPIO                                                       :           Shri Babulal Meena, Deputy Director DPIO                                                       :           Smt Divya,C.V., Assistant Director DPIO                                                       :           Shri C. Shunmuga Sundaram, Superintendent DPIO                                                       :           Dr P.N. Jyothi, Junior Translation Officer DPIO                                                       :           Shri.K. Manojkumar, Research Officer Committee of PIOs/FAAs with rich experience in RTI to identify frequently sought information under RTI  A Committee for frequently sought information has been constituted as under vide office order No. F.No.6/1/2008-Gendated 6th December, 2019. And F.No.6/1/2020-Gen dated 27th March, 2024. First Appellate Authority       :           Dr Homey Cheriyan, Director Nodal Officer                         :           K. Manoj Kumar, Research Officer CPIO                                      :           Shri Babulal Meena, Deputy Director

4.1 Language in which Information Manual/Handbook is available [F.No.1/6/2011-IR dt.15.4.2013] English, Hindi, and Malayalam 4.2 When was the information manual/handbook last updated? 23-03-2023 4.3 Information available in electronic form [Section 4(1)(b)(xiv)] Available on the official website: https://www.dasd.gov.in 4.4 Particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information [Section 4(1)(b)(xv)] Website: https://www.dasd.gov.in 4.5 Such other information as may be prescribed under Section 4(i)(b)(xvii) 4.5.1 Grievance redressal mechanism Central Public Grievances Redressal and Monitoring (CPGRAM) Nodal Officer (CPGRAM): Dr. Homey Cheriyan, Director Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India Calicut, Kerala Phone: 0495–2369877 / 2765501, Fax: 0495-2765777 Email: spicedte@nic.in Website: www.dasd.gov.in Part-time Vigilance Officer: Babulal Meena, Deputy Director Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India Calicut, Kerala Phone: 0495–2369877 / 2765501, Fax: 0495-2765777 Email: spicedte@nic.in Website: www.dasd.gov.in 4.5.2 Details of applications received under RTI and information provided A total of 21 RTI applications were received from January to December 2024. [Refer to attached PDF: File name: 4.6 RTI Receipts and Disposal.pdf] 4.5.3 List of completed schemes/projects/programmes S.No. Programmes Unit Cost per Unit (Rs. in Lakhs) Target (Phy) Target (Fin, Rs. in Lakhs) Achievement (Phy) Achievement (Fin, Rs. in Lakhs) I Production and Distribution of Nucleus Planting Materials of Spices 1 Black Pepper / Betelvine Nos in Lakhs 8.00 24.775 198.2000 24.775 196.4800 2 Ginger Rhizomes Qty in Tonnes 0.30 169.600 50.8800 169.600 50.8800 3 Ginger Protray Seedlings Nos in Lakhs 1.20 6.500 7.8000 6.500 7.8000 4 Turmeric Rhizomes Qty in Tonnes 0.30 652.700 195.8100 652.700 195.8100 5 Turmeric Protray Seedlings Nos in Lakhs 1.20 13.060 15.6720 13.060 15.6720 6 Chilli Seeds Qty in Qtls 0.75 43.500 32.6250 43.500 32.6250 7 Seed Spices Qty in Tonnes 0.40 184.750 73.9000 184.750 73.9000 8 Garlic Qty in Tonnes 0.50 77.000 38.5000 77.000 38.5000 9 Bush Pepper Nos in Lakhs 40.00 0.585 23.4000 0.585 23.4000 10 Tree Spices Grafts/Seedlings i Nutmeg Grafts (Plagiotropic) Nos in Lakhs 80.00 0.5900 47.2000 0.5900 47.2000 ii Nutmeg Grafts (Orthotropic) Nos in Lakhs 140.00 0.0755 10.5700 0.0755 10.5700 iii Tamarind / Kokum Grafts Nos in Lakhs 20.00 1.8570 37.1400 1.8570 37.1400 iv Clove / Allspice Seedlings Nos in Lakhs 20.00 0.2600 5.2000 0.2600 5.2000 v Cinnamon / Cassia / Curry Leaf Seedlings Nos in Lakhs 5.00 4.6300 23.1500 4.6300 23.1500 vi Cinnamon Seedlings Air Layers Nos in Lakhs 25.00 0.9010 22.5250 0.9010 22.5250 11 Aromatic Plants Ha 0.75 70.0000 52.5000 70.0000 52.5000 12 Nursery Centre for Spices and Aromatic Plants Nos 15.00 2.0000 30.0000 2.0000 30.0000 13 Upgradation of Spice Nurseries LS Up to 10.00 – 0.000 – 0.000 14 Seed Processing and Storage Infrastructure Nos 20.00 2.000 40.000 2.000 40.000 15 Establishment of Large Cardamom Nursery LS – 8 30.000 1 7.500 Sub Total 935.0720 910.8520 II Accreditation of Spice Nurseries LS – 25 1.5000 – 0.000 III Technology Dissemination through Frontline Demonstration a Demonstration Plots of Seed Spices Nos in Ha 0.40 153.000 61.200 153.000 61.200 b Demonstration Plots of Aromatic Plants Nos in Ha 0.80 30.000 24.000 30.000 24.000 c On Farm Management by Drip Irrigation Nos in Ha LS – 0.000 – 0.000 d Demonstration of Entomopathogenic Nematode in Arecanut Nos in Acre LS – 3.890 – 3.890 e Establishment of Demo Plots on Arecanut-Based Multi-Species Cropping System Nos in Acre LS – 9.190 – 9.190 f Demonstration of Management of Yellow Leaf Disease of Arecanut Using Plastic Mulching Nos in Acre LS – 9.400 – 9.400 Sub Total 277.590 277.590 IV Import Substitution Programmes a Organic Farming in Spices Nos in Ha 0.60/1.00 132.000 129.200 132.000 129.200 b Establishment of FLDs on Participatory Demonstration of Cinnamon Intercropping in Coconut Nos in Acre LS – 24.000 – 24.000 c Maintenance of FLDs on Participatory Demonstration of Cinnamon Intercropping in Coconut – LS – 1.550 – 1.550 d Maintenance of FLDs on Participatory Demonstration of Cinnamon Intercropping in Coconut in States – LS – 14.160 – 14.160 e Demonstration of Cinnamomum tamala Plantation for Livelihood and Income Generation in Garhwal, Himalaya – – – 1.000 – 1.000 Sub Total 277.590 277.590 V Innovative Project-Based Programmes i Establishment of Microrhizome-Based Disease-Free Ginger Seed Production Facility Nos LS – 0.000 – 0.000 ii Demonstration of Disease-Free Ginger Seed Production Using Microrhizomes and IDM LS – – 8.750 – 8.750 iii Establishment of Essential Oil Distillation Unit Nos 5.00 2.000 9.000 2.000 9.000 iv Rejuvenation of Cochin Ginger and Alleppey Finger Turmeric for Export Promotion – LS – 10.000 – 10.000 v Establishment of FLD for Identification and Genetic Purification of Byadgi Chilli Cultivars – LS – 13.150 – 13.150 v Development of Cinnamon Bark Peeling Machine Nos LS 1.000 10.000 1.000 – vi Establishment of Polyclonal Garden of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) – LS 1.000 6.900 1.000 6.900 vii Crop Survey in Seed Spices LS – 1.000 5.000 1.000 5.000 Sub Total 62.800 52.800 VI Transfer of Technology Programmes a National Seminar Nos 5.00 1.00 5.00 1.00 5.00 b State Level Seminar Nos 3.00 3.00 9.00 3.00 9.00 c District Level Seminar Workshops Nos 2.00 14.00 28.00 14.00 28.00 d Farmers Training Programme Nos 0.75 139.00 104.25 139.00 104.25 Sub Total 146.250 146.250 VII Skill Development Programmes – LS – 13.000 2.00 13.00 VIII TSG (Monitoring, Evaluation, Mass Media, Publicity, etc.) – – LS 10.000 – 0.000 IX Mission Management – LS 45.75284 – 38.08325 – Total 1491.96484 1438.57525 PART B 1 Evidence-Based Research on Arecanut and Human Health LS – – 363.84716 – 363.84716 2 Large-Scale Demonstrations on Management of Leaf Spot Disease of Arecanut LS – – 236.18800 – 236.18800 Total 600.03516 600.03516 Grand Total 2092.0000 2038.61041 S.No Implementing Agencies 1 Agriculture University, Jodhpur,Rajasthan 2 Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan 3 Anand Agricultural University,Gujarat 4 Assam Agricultural University,Assam 5 Banda Agricultural University, Uttar Pradresh 6 Bidhan Chandra KrishiViswaVidhyalaya,West Bengal 7 Birsa Agricultural University,Jharkhand 8 C C S Haryana Agricultural University,Haryana 9 C S Azad Agricultural University,UttarPradresh 10 Central Agricultural

3.1 Particulars for any arrangement for consultation with or representation by the members of the public in relation to the formulation of policy or implementation thereof [Section 4(1)(b)(vii)] [F.No.1/6/2011-IR dt.15.04.2013] Consultations are held with concerned stakeholders to implement development programmes. 3.2 Are the details of policies/decisions, which affect the public, informed to them [Section 4(1)(c)] The Directorate does not have public-facing policies or decisions. All relevant information on DASD activities is published on the website: https://www.dasd.gov.in/. Information on the availability of spices planting material in accredited nurseries is available at https://spicenurseries.in/ for the benefit of the public, especially farmers. 3.3 Dissemination of information widely and in a form and manner easily accessible to the public [Section 4(3)] All publications are available on the website: https://www.dasd.gov.in/, accessible via the internet. 3.4 Form of accessibility of information manual/handbook [Section 4(1)(b)] Official journals and reports are published in printed format. 3.5 Whether information manual/handbook is available free of cost or not Leaflets on spice cultivation are available in English, Malayalam, and Hindi, free of cost. Indian Journal of Arecanut, Spices and Medicinal Plants (quarterly journal): Annual subscription: Rs. 200/- Per copy: Rs. 50/- Three-year subscription: Rs. 500/-

2.1    Budget allocated to each agency including all plans,proposed expenditure and reports on disbursements made etc. Budget Allocated to each agencies under MIDH (PLAN FUND) S.No Implementing Agencies Allocation Rs. In Lakhs Proposed expenditure Rs. In Lakhs Reports on disbursement Rs. In Lakhs 1 ICAR – C I A R I Port Blair 3.4400 3.4400 3.4400 2 Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasargod 189.1388 189.1388 189.1388 3 CAU Manipur 23.0400 23.0400 23.0400 4 Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 17.1500 17.1500 17.1500 5 Indian Institute of Spices research, Kozhikode 21.7000 21.7000 21.7000 6 ICAR Research Complex, Goa 26.4900 26.4900 26.4900 7 Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 7.9000 7.9000 7.9000 8 National Research Centre for Seed Spices, Ajmer 41.8000 41.8000 41.8000 9 Comptroller Dr. YSR Hort University 38.1000 38.1000 38.1000 10 Assam Agriculture University 10.4900 10.4900 10.4900 11 Dr.Rajendra Prasad Agricultural University, Bihar 14.2500 14.2500 14.2500 12 Indira Gandhi KrishiVishwaVidyalaya, Chhattisgarh 49.6000 49.6000 49.6000 13 Junagadh Agri University 28.4500 28.4500 28.4500 14 Anand Agricultural University 12.0500 12.0500 12.0500 15 NavsariAgri University 11.2900 11.2900 11.2900 16 S D A U Jagudan 11.8500 11.8500 11.8500 17 ChoudharyCharan Singh Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar 17.0000 17.0000 17.0000 18 Dr. Y.S Parmeruniv of H & F, HP 9.5500 9.5500 9.5500 19 Sher-e-Kashmir University 23.0000 23.0000 23.0000 20 University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga 216.9392 216.9392 216.9392 21 U A S Bangalore 28.8000 28.8000 28.8000 22 University of Agriculture sciences, Dharwad 51.9500 51.9500 51.9500 23 University of Agriculture sciences, Raichur 23.1000 23.1000 23.1000 24 University of Horticulture Sciences Bagalkot 45.5700 45.5700 45.5700 25 Karnataka State hortidept 9.4400 9.4400 9.4400 26 Kerala Agri University 149.9670 149.9670 149.9670 27 Centre for Water Resource Development and Management, Calicut 1.5000 1.5000 1.5000 28 MSSRF  Wayanad 11.0500 11.0500 11.0500 29 Jawaharlal Nehru KrishiVishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur,MP 13.9000 13.9000 13.9000 30 RajmataVijayarajeScindiaKrishi VV 8.0000 8.0000 8.0000 31 Dr.BalasahebSawant Konkan KrishiVidyapeeth, Dapoli 113.9000 113.9000 113.9000 32 Dr.PunjabraoDeshmukhKrishiVishwavidyalaya, Akola 83.7500 83.7500 83.7500 33 VasantraoNaikMarathwadaKrishiVidyapeeth, Parbani 19.4500 19.4500 19.4500 34 M P K V Rahuri 18.0500 18.0500 18.0500 35 Orissa Agricultural University 17.4500 17.4500 17.4500 36 PAU Schooll of Organic Farming 30.9500 30.9500 30.9500 37 Agriculture University, Kota 28.0000 28.0000 28.0000 38 MaharanaPratapUniv 8.4500 8.4500 8.4500 39 Agriculture University, Jodhpur 11.4500 11.4500 11.4500 40 Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner 8.8500 8.8500 8.8500 41 Tamil Nadu Agricultural University 96.8750 96.8750 96.8750 42 S K L T S , Hyderabad 28.1500 28.1500 28.1500 43 Banda Agricultural University, UP 20.9500 20.9500 20.9500 44 C.S.Azad University of Agriculture & Technology,Kanpur 4.8500 4.8500 4.8500 45 Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad 14.8500 14.8500 14.8500 46 S V B P Meerut 5.1000 5.1000 5.1000 47 Directorate of Research, VCSGUUHF 3.5000 3.5000 3.5000 48 H N B Garhwal University 1.1000 1.1000 1.1000 49 Bidhan Chandra KrishiVishwavidyalaya 32.6500 32.6500 32.6500 50 Uttar BangaKrishiVishwavidyalaya 28.6000 28.6000 28.6000 51 Indian society for Spices 5.0000 5.0000 5.0000 52 Dte of arecanut and Spices Dev,, Calicut 67.5628 67.5628 67.5628 53 Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore 9.9550 9.9550 9.9550 54 Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 9.9550 9.9550 9.9550 55 CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute 45.2100 45.2100 45.2100 56 CSIR Central Food Technological Research 19.7760 19.7760 19.7760 57 NITTE University 17.8800 17.8800 17.8800 58 CSIR Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology 105.8408 105.8408 105.8408 59 All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 20.3834 20.3834 20.3834 60 National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences 41.8919 41.8919 41.8919 61 Shri DharmasthalaManjunatheshwara University 55.1150 55.1150 55.1150 Total 2092.0000 2092.0000 2092.0000   DIRECTORATE OF ARECANUT & SPICES DEVELOPMENT Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) Calicut-5 NON PLAN (Rupees) Particulars of Sub-Head and name of the scheme etc. 1/2401 Sanctioned Budget for 2024-25 Total Expenditure uptoMarch 2025 for the Financial Year 2024-25 1 2 3 570101-Salaries 1,69,00,000 1,65,99,573 570102-Wages 3,00,000 0 570106-Medical 3,00,000 81,237 570107-Allowances 1,60,00,000 1,36,19,705 570108-Leave Travel Concession 3,00,000 2,43,961 570109-Training Expense 80,000 12,000 570110-Rewards 2,89,000 1,90,868 570111-Domestic Travel Expenses 21,00,000 20,85,149 570113-Office Expenses 13,70,000 11,80,779 570114-Rent & Taxes for Land & Buildings 0 0 570116-Printing & Publication 6,80,000 4,71,584 570118-Rent for Others 0 0 570119-Digital Equipment 1,00,000 61,300 570121-Materials and Supplies 1,00,000 12,600 570124-Fuels & Lubricants 2,00,000 1,04,416 570126-Advertising  & Publicity 2,00,000 1,80,626 570127-Minor Civil & Electric Works 13,00,000 4,18,600 240128-Professional Service 1,00,000 1,000 240129-Repair & Maintenance 2,50,000 1,32,184 570139-Bank & Agency Charges 0 0 570149-Other Revenue Expenditure 1,00,000 25,710 579613-Swachhta Action Plan OE 2,00,000 81,040 180052-Machinery and Equipment 2,00,000 0 180071-Information ,Computer Telecommunication Equipment 0 0 180072-Building & Structures 0 0 180073-Infructure Assets 0 0 180074-Furniture & Fixtures 2,00,000 0 180077-Other Fixed Assets 0 0 Total 4,12,69,000 3,55,02,332 2.2 Foreign and domestic tours [F.No.1/8/2012-IR dt.11.9.2019] Name: Dr. Homey Cheriyan, Director Directorate of Arecanut & Spices Development West Hill P.O., Kannur Road, Kozhikode – 673 005, Kerala [Refer to the PDF] 2.3 Manner of execution of subsidy programmes [Section 4(i)(b)(xii)] The Directorate coordinates and monitors development activities for arecanut, spices, and aromatic plants in sixteen states under MIDH. It directly implements nucleus planting material production programmes for released spices and aromatic crops, supplying them for large-scale multiplication in state department nurseries as approved under MIDH. The Directorate also organizes Transfer of Technology Programmes, including National/State-level seminars and workshops, implemented through State Agricultural Universities and ICAR Institutions. 2.4 Discretionary and non-discretionary grants [F.No.1/6/2011-IR dt.15.04.2013] Not applicable. 2.5 Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits, or authorizations granted [Section 4(1)(b)(xiii)] Not applicable. 2.6 CAG & PAC paras [F.No.1/6/2011-IR dt.15.4.2013] [Refer to the PDF]

1.1 Particulars of its organisation, functions and duties [Section 4(1)(b)(i)] 1.1.1 Name and address of the Organization Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India Calicut, Kerala-673 005 Phone: 0495–2369877 / 2765501 Fax: 0495-2765777 Email: spicedte@nic.in Website: www.dasd.gov.in 1.1.2 Head of the organization Dr. Homey Cheriyan, Director 1.1.3 Vision, Mission and Key Objectives The Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Calicut, has the mandate for the development of spices, arecanut, a large group of aromatic plants, and betel vine grown in the country at the national level. The Directorate discharges this function through the overall coordination of development activities implemented by agencies such as State Government Departments, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), ICAR Institutes, etc. Additionally, the Directorate undertakes the implementation of certain critical programmes vital to the development process. The Directorate is responsible for coordinating and monitoring programmes under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to promote the holistic growth of the horticulture sector in the country. Key objectives include: Assessment of the developmental needs of the mandate crops. Formulation of Central Sector/Centrally Sponsored Schemes and their implementation, either directly or through State Governments, SAUs, ICAR Institutes, etc. Monitoring the implementation of Central Sector/Centrally Sponsored Schemes and coordinating development activities. Rendering technical assistance to State Governments and other agencies on commodity development programmes. Collection and compilation of statistics on area, production, export, import, prices, etc., and dissemination to Central and State Governments and other agencies. Maintaining liaison with research institutes and extension agencies, acting as a two-way channel for technology transfer. Undertaking publicity and extension works related to arecanut, spices, and aromatic crops. Assisting Central and State Governments on all matters related to commodity development. Accreditation of spices nurseries to regulate the quality of planting materials. Development Programmes The Directorate coordinates and monitors development programmes on spices under MIDH, implemented across various states. Additionally, it directly implements the following programmes in association with SAUs and ICAR Institutes to supplement state efforts: Production and Distribution of Planting Materials of Spices Accreditation of Spices Nurseries Establishment of Nursery Centres for Spices and Aromatic Plants Setting up of Seed Processing and Storage Infrastructure Technology Dissemination through Frontline Demonstration Organising National Seminars/Workshops/Training Programmes on Spices and Aromatic Plants Statistics The Directorate is the authority for the collection, compilation, and dissemination of statistics on spices and arecanut. It periodically publishes statistics on area, production, productivity, prices, and cost of cultivation of arecanut and spices. 1.1.4 Functions and duties a. Development Section Assessing production requirements to meet domestic and export demand. Identifying development needs and potential cultivation centres for the commodities. Analyzing constraints to achieving required production levels. Formulating suitable development programmes for different plan periods. Executing programmes through various development agencies. Monitoring development activities to ensure achievement of plan targets. Establishing linkages with development agencies, trade, marketing channels, and research. b. Marketing, Economic Research & Statistics Section Assessing area and production of different commodities. Collecting and compiling data on cost of production, price trends, etc. Overseeing export demand, trends, and their contribution to the national economy. Disseminating data to development agencies, traders, exporters, etc. c. Publicity Section Publishing the Indian Journal of Arecanut, Spices and Medicinal Plants on a quarterly basis. Transferring research-evolved technology to farmers, traders, exporters, etc., through effective extension methods. Publishing crop folders and other extension literature. Participating in seminars, workshops, and exhibitions at national, state, and district levels. d. Administration Section Handling administrative and accounts matters for the normal functioning of the Directorate. 1.1.5 Organization Chart 1.1.6 Any other details – the genesis, inception, formation of the department and the HoDs from time to time as well as the committees/commissions constituted from time to time The Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD) is a subordinate office under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Established on 1st April 1966 at Calicut, Kerala, it streamlines activities related to the production of arecanut, spices, and aromatic plants at the national level. Incumbent Heads of Department (HoD): S.No. Name Period 1 Shri T.T. Poulose 01.06.1967 17.01.1975 2 Dr. C.K. George 17.01.1975 08.10.1984 3 Shri E. Velappan 08.10.1984 30.11.1995 4 Shri M. Remold (i/c) 30.11.1995 20.04.1998 5 Dr. M. Tamil Selvan (i/c) 20.04.1998 22.05.1998 6 Dr. K. Sivaraman 22.05.1998 21.05.2002 7 Dr. M. Tamil Selvan 21.05.2002 15.05.2012 8 Dr. Homey Cheriyan 15.05.2012 Till date 1.2 Power and duties of its officers and employees [Section 4(1)(b)(ii)] 1.2.1 Powers and duties of officers (administrative, financial, and judicial) Director Oversees all administrative and executive work related to development, cultivation, marketing, economic research, statistics, extension, and publicity for arecanut, spices, and aromatic plants. Serves as a member of various committees and working groups constituted by the Government of India and commodity committees of Central and State Governments. Provides technical advice on crop development to Central and State Governments, quasi-government organizations, and the public. Acts as the National Coordinator for the production and development of arecanut, spices, and aromatic plants. Deputy Director Assists the Director in planning and coordinating crop development. Handles work related to arecanut, spices, betel vine, and aromatic plants, including assessing developmental needs, area under cultivation, production, productivity, and quality. Formulates, implements, and monitors development schemes. Liaises with Central and State Government Departments/Agencies and autonomous organizations to provide assistance and guidance. Supervises publications, establishment, administrative matters, and accounts. Performs other duties assigned by the Director. Assistant Director Assists the Deputy Director and Director in formulating and implementing development programmes. Monitors Central and State Sector programmes for crops under the Directorate’s purview. Conducts field visits to scheme-implementing centres to provide technical guidance, arrange planting materials, and review progress. Performs other duties assigned by the Director. Research Officer Assists in planning and conducting economic research and statistical studies on area, production, cost of cultivation, price trends, etc. Supervises routine work related to data collection, compilation, and analysis for all mandated crops. Conducts surveys for pepper production forecasts and other economic and statistical matters.