7Functions of the Board

(1) The Board may--

(i) develop, promote and regulate export of spices;

(ii) grant certificate for export of spices and register brokers therefor;

(iii) undertake programmes and projects for promotion of export of spices;

(iv) assist and encourage studies and research for improvement of processing, quality, techniques of grading and packaging of spices;

(v) strive towards stabilisation of prices of spices for export;

(vi) evolve suitable quality standards and introduce certification of quality through "Quality Marking" for spaces for export;

(vii) control quality of spices for export;

(viii) give licences, subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed, to the manufacturers of spices for export;

(ix) market any spice, if it considers necessary, in the interest of promotion of export;

(x) provide warehousing facilities abroad for spices;

(xi) collect statistics with regard to spices for compilation and publication;

(xii) import, with the previous approval of the Central Government, any spice for sale; and

(xiii) advise the Central Government on matters relating to import and export of spices.

(2) The Board may also--

(i) promote co-operative efforts among growers of cardamom;

(ii) ensure remunerative returns to growers of cardamom;

(iii) provide financial or other assistance for improved methods of cultivation and processing of cardamom, for replanting cardamom and for extension of cardamom growing areas;

(iv) regulate the sale of cardamom and stabilisation of prices of cardamom;

(v) provide training in cardamom testing and fixing grade standards of cardamom;

(vi) increase the consumption of cardamom and carry on propaganda for that purpose;

(vii) register and licence brokers (including auctioneers) of cardamom and persons engaged in the business of cardamom;

(viii) improve the marketing of cardamom;

(ix) collect statistics from growers, dealers and such other persons as may be prescribed on any matter relating to the cardamom industry; publish statistics so collected or portions thereof or extracts therefrom;

(x) secure better working conditions and the provision and improvement of amenities and incentives for workers; and

(xi) undertake, assist or encourage scientific, technological and economic research.