Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Quality Upgradation / Certification: Support for Eco-Certification / Organic Certification 2026

This scheme helps coffee growers in the North East improve their coffee quality and access better markets Read More... by supporting eco-friendly and organic certifications. Read less

Details

The Coffee Board of India, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched a special initiative to boost coffee cultivation in the North Eastern Region. This programme focuses on helping growers upgrade their coffee quality and achieve important certifications like eco-certification and organic certification.

What Is This Scheme?

This initiative is part of a larger project called the 'Integrated Coffee Development Project'. Its main goal is to encourage coffee growers in the North East to produce high-quality coffee. By getting certifications like organic or eco-friendly, growers can aim for higher prices and enter more profitable, specialty coffee markets. A key part of this scheme is also to help small-scale growers come together in groups or collectives to pursue these certifications. This can pave the way for shared facilities and stronger market presence in the future.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is primarily designed for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and collectives of tribal coffee growers in the North Eastern Region who are looking to get their plantations certified under various sustainability and quality standards.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By providing financial support for quality upgradation and certification, this scheme aims to make North Eastern coffee more competitive. It opens doors to premium markets and encourages sustainable farming practices, ultimately leading to better income for the growers.

Objective

This scheme helps coffee growers in the North East improve their coffee quality and access better markets by supporting eco-friendly and organic certifications.

Benefits

Scale of SubsidyFor Organic Certification:75% of the certification cost spread over 3 years or the Conversion period, whichever is less during the MTF period.For Other Eco-Certifications:75% of the certification cost for one year during the MTF period.NOTE:This incentive is provided only as backend support for those who obtain certification of their estates. However, in the case of organic certification, the costs incurred towards certification during in-conversion period are also eligible for support.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be SHGs or collectives of tribal growers who are obtaining certification for their coffee plantations based on sustainability and quality standards.
Support is available for certifications like Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird friendly/Shade grown coffee, or any other equivalent programs.
If you are applying for Eco/organic certification support, you must be certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards. This is required even if you hold international certifications like EU Regulation, NOP (USA), or JAS (Japan).
Certification must be obtained from agencies accredited by the respective Certification Programmes during the MTF period.

How To Apply

Fill out the application form in the prescribed format, available in duplicate. You can download it from the official website.
Submit the application along with all required documents to the Coffee Board. The specific office address for submission will be provided in the official scheme guidelines.

Official Link for Application Form: Prescribed Application Format

Documents Required

Application form in the prescribed format (submitted in duplicate).
Certificate of incorporation/registration, Memorandum of Association/Society documents as a Grower Collective/SHG/Cooperative, issued by the relevant authority. A complete list of members of the organization is also needed.
A copy of the certificate issued by the Accredited Certification Agency.
The original invoice showing the cost incurred for certification.
A copy of your Bank Pass Book, including details like account number, Bank name, branch, and IFSC code.

FAQ’s

Can a single tribal grower apply for this scheme, or is it necessary to form a group?

You must form a Self-Help Group (SHG) or a collective of tribal growers to be eligible for this scheme's support. The aim is to encourage group efforts and shared facilities.

What is the financial support provided for organic certification under this program?

For organic certification, the scheme covers 75% of the certification cost. This subsidy is provided over three years or during the conversion period, whichever is shorter, within the MTF timeframe. Costs incurred while converting to organic farming are also eligible.

Which types of certifications are accepted for support under this scheme?

The scheme supports several certifications, including Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird friendly/Shade grown coffee, and any other equivalent programs that focus on sustainability and quality.

What are the key documents needed to apply for this certification subsidy?

You'll need the application form, proof of your group's registration (like incorporation certificate), a copy of the certification issued by an accredited agency, the original invoice for certification costs, and your bank account details (passbook copy).

Is there a specific national standard that growers must follow for eco or organic certification?

Yes, applicants need to be certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards. This applies even if you have international certifications like EU Regulation, NOP (USA), or JAS (Japan).

What happens if I try to influence the subsidy process with gifts or money?

Offering rewards, gifts, or using coercive tactics to influence the subsidy process, or providing incorrect information, can lead to your application being rejected or even legal action.

How can small growers benefit from this scheme if they aren't certified yet?

The scheme encourages small growers to pursue eco-certification. By doing so, they can improve their coffee quality, gain access to high-value markets, and become eligible for the scheme's support.

Does the scheme offer support for certifications not explicitly listed?

Support is limited to the listed certifications (Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird friendly/Shade grown coffee) or those that are equivalent to these standards. Any other certification must be comparable to be considered.

What does 'backend support' mean in relation to getting certified?

'Backend support' means the scheme provides financial assistance by covering a part of your certification expenses, making it easier for you to achieve and maintain certifications.

Is the 75% subsidy for organic certification available indefinitely?

The subsidy for organic certification is provided for a period of three years or the conversion period, whichever is shorter, within the current MTF period.

Who needs to issue the certification for the grower groups?

Your coffee plantation must be certified by agencies that are accredited by the specific certification programs you are applying for. This ensures the credibility of your certification.

What if my application has errors or incomplete information?

If you provide incorrect information or fail to submit complete details, your application may be rejected. It's important to ensure all documents are accurate and properly filled.

How is the subsidy amount actually paid out?

The release of eligible subsidies depends on the availability of funds during the specific financial year. The Coffee Board will process and disburse the subsidy once approvals are granted.

Can the terms of this scheme be changed after it has started?

Yes, the Coffee Board has the right to modify or amend the terms and conditions of the scheme as they see fit for better implementation, without giving prior notice.

What is the subsidy amount for certifications other than organic?

For certifications other than organic, the scheme provides 75% of the certification cost for a single year during the MTF period.

Are there any specific requirements for the collective or SHG itself?

Yes, the collective or SHG must be comprised of tribal growers and should be in the process of obtaining or have obtained certification for various sustainability and quality standards.