This scheme is a sub-component of the Integrated Coffee Development Project under the Medium Term Framework (MTF) by the Coffee Board, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its objective is to encourage coffee growers in the North Eastern Region to enhance the quality of their coffee by obtaining eco-certifications and organic certifications. This, in turn, will help improve access to high-value specialty markets and boost domestic consumption and entrepreneurship in the coffee sector. Additionally, the scheme aims to encourage small growers to form groups or collectives to facilitate future development of shared common facilities.
Benefits
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Subsidy Coverage:
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Organic Certification:
75% of the certification cost, spread over 3 years (or the conversion period, whichever is shorter during the MTF period). -
Other Eco-Certifications:
75% of the certification cost for one year during the MTF period.
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Focus:
The scheme supports certifications for sustainability and quality standards, including Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird-friendly/Shade grown, or equivalent programs. -
Backend Support:
Financial assistance is provided as backend support to growers who obtain the required certifications for their coffee estates.
Eligibility
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Applicant Type:
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The scheme is targeted at SHGs (Self-Help Groups), cooperatives, or grower collectives of tribal coffee growers.
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Certification Standards:
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Applicants must obtain certification for their coffee plantations as per recognized standards (e.g., Organic Certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, etc.).
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Accreditation:
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Certification must be obtained from agencies accredited by the respective certification programs.
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Additional Requirement:
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The support applies only to new certification of estates; upgradation of existing facilities is not covered.
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Application Process
Mode: Offline
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Certification Completion & Documentation:
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After obtaining certification from an accredited body, the SHG/growers’ collective must compile all relevant documentation.
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Submission:
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Submit the required documents to the concerned office of the JLO/SLO of the Coffee Board.
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Inspection:
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The JLO/SLO will scrutinize the documents and, if necessary, conduct a field inspection to verify records.
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Review & Approval:
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The claim, along with the Physical Verification Report, is forwarded to the Deputy/Joint Director for final approval.
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Disbursement:
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Upon approval, the subsidy is released directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through the PFMS.
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Documents Required
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Copy of the blueprint/layout plan of the proposed R&G unit or facility.
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Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhaar, Ration Card, PAN, Passport, Driving License, or Election ID).
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Original Tax Invoice/Cash Bill from the supplier.
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Attested copies of bills supporting freight, installation, commissioning, and insurance charges.
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Copy of warranty certificate.
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Notarized lease/rent/ownership document for the premises.
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Copy of the municipal license.
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Bank passbook/cancelled cheque with bank details (account number, branch address, IFSC code).
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Photographs of the new machinery installed (for which subsidy is claimed).
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For SC/ST/differently-abled applicants: Valid caste/community/disability certificate (40% disability and above).
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Proof of maintenance of separate books of accounts and identifiable fixed capital investments.
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Details of the Third Party Quality Assurance (TPQA) agency (if applicable) along with the appointment letter and agreement.
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Copy of PAN Card.
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Notarized undertaking along with a board resolution/approval from the competent authority in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What eco-certifications are eligible?
Certifications such as Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird-friendly, or Shade-grown are supported. -
Can a collective of tribal growers apply individually?
No, applicants must be part of an SHG, cooperative, or group of tribal coffee growers. -
What is the subsidy period for organic certification?
For organic certification, the subsidy is spread over 3 years (or the conversion period, whichever is shorter). -
Are applicants required to follow specific national standards?
Yes, applicants must comply with NPOP standards, even if they are certified under international standards. -
What documents are needed?
Refer to the Documents Required section above. -
What are the steps after certification?
Once certification is obtained, submit the documents for scrutiny, undergo field inspection, and then claim subsidy disbursement. -
Can growers without certification access this scheme?
No, the scheme supports only those growers who obtain certification. -
What happens if an application is incomplete?
Incomplete applications will be rejected, so ensure all mandatory documents are attached. -
Is there any provision for amending the scheme during execution?
Any changes would be communicated through official channels; however, the scheme’s core terms remain fixed. -
What criteria might lead to rejection?
Non-compliance with certification requirements, incomplete documentation, or submission of fraudulent information can lead to rejection. -
How does the Coffee Board ensure subsidy disbursement?
Subsidies are disbursed via PFMS after thorough verification and approval based on the Physical Verification Report.