This scheme is a sub-component of the Integrated Coffee Development Project During the Medium Term Framework (MTF) Period: Development Support to Stakeholders initiated by the Coffee Board, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It aims to improve both the productivity and quality of coffee by facilitating the creation of water augmentation infrastructure for irrigation and wet processing. The scheme supports the installation of water harvesting structures and sprinkler (or drip) units, thereby ensuring that coffee plantations have adequate water supply, which in turn enhances crop quality and yields.
Benefits
• Subsidy Details:
– Eligible growers can claim a subsidy of 75% of the unit cost for water harvesting structures and sprinkler units, capped at a maximum of ₹1,25,000/- for all related activities combined.
– For below-ground water storage tanks, the subsidy is based on the lower value between the applicable dimension and unit cost.
– For above-ground water storage tanks, the subsidy is determined by the lower value between the actual cost and the applicable unit cost for below-ground tanks.
• Subsidy Availability:
– Growers may claim subsidies for water harvesting structures and irrigation equipment either simultaneously or at different times.
Eligibility
• The applicant must be a tribal grower.
• The applicant should not have received a subsidy for water augmentation during the XII Plan Period.
• Land records must be in the beneficiary’s name and certified by the Village Authority, State Government, or a Competent Authority.
Eligible Activities
• Installation of water storage tanks (both above-ground and below-ground).
• Construction of open wells and other water harvesting structures.
• Installation of irrigation equipment (sprinkler or drip units) to enhance production and quality.
Location Specifications
• Water storage tank construction may be above or below ground.
• Water augmentation structures must be constructed on the estate or within its vicinity.
Application Process
Offline
• Step 01: The beneficiary submits the necessary documents in the prescribed format after completing the relevant activity.
• Step 02: The Extension Officer examines the submitted documents and conducts a field inspection. They then forward the application along with the physical verification report to the concerned Joint Director (Extension) or Deputy Director (Extension), recommending eligibility for the subsidy.
• Step 03: The Joint Director (Extension) or Deputy Director (Extension) scrutinizes the documents, determines the eligible subsidy, and approves the claim.
• Step 04: The approved subsidy amount is released to the beneficiary via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).
Documents Required
• Application in the prescribed format (in duplicate).
• Original Invoice/Bill with TIN No. (for sprinkler/drip equipment).
• Work Completion Report and Expenditure Statement signed by the applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the precise focus of the scheme?
A: The scheme aims to improve coffee productivity and quality by providing financial assistance for establishing water augmentation infrastructure such as water harvesting structures and sprinkler (or drip) units.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
A: The applicant must be a tribal grower with certified land records in their name who has not received a water augmentation subsidy during the XII Plan Period.
Q: What activities are deemed eligible for subsidy?
A: Eligible activities include the installation of water storage tanks (both above and below ground), open well construction, and the installation of irrigation equipment like sprinkler or drip units.
Q: What is the subsidy percentage available?
A: The subsidy is 75% of the unit cost for water harvesting structures and sprinkler units, with a maximum ceiling of ₹1,25,000/- for all related activities.
Q: How are water storage tanks treated under the scheme?
A:
– For below-ground tanks, subsidy is based on the lower value between the dimensions and applicable unit cost.
– For above-ground tanks, subsidy is determined by the lower value between the actual cost or the unit cost applicable to below-ground tanks.
Q: Can growers claim subsidies for water harvesting structures and irrigation equipment at different times?
A: Yes, growers may claim subsidies either simultaneously or at different times as per their project schedule.
Q: What documents are required to claim the subsidy?
A: You need to submit the application form, original invoice/bill with TIN, and a work completion report/expenditure statement signed by the applicant.
Q: What is the role of the Extension Officer in this process?
A: The Extension Officer motivates growers, verifies the documents through field inspection, and forwards the application for approval.
Q: How is the subsidy amount calculated for water storage tanks?
A:
– For below-ground tanks, it is based on the lower value between the tank dimensions and the applicable unit cost.
– For above-ground tanks, it is based on the lower value between the actual cost and the unit cost applicable to below-ground tanks.
Q: What happens if an applicant is involved in bribery or provides misleading information?
A: Such practices will lead to disqualification from the scheme and potential legal consequences as per government regulations.