Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Eco-certification of Coffee 2026
This scheme helps coffee growers earn more by getting eco-certified, ensuring their coffee meets quality and environmental Read More... standards for better market access. Read less
Details
In a move to boost the coffee sector, the Coffee Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched a special initiative. This scheme is all about making coffee production more sustainable and profitable.
What Is This Scheme?
The 'Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Eco-certification of Coffee' scheme is a part of a larger project to support stakeholders in the coffee industry. Its main aim is to guide coffee growers towards producing 'eco-certified' coffee. By following certain standards, growers can tap into markets that pay more for high-quality, traceable, and ethically produced coffee. This certification helps show the good work that goes into producing coffee, covering environmental and social aspects.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This support is primarily for individual coffee growers who own farms up to 10 hectares. It also extends to groups of small growers, like Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or other collectives, who are looking to get certified for their coffee. The scheme encourages sustainable practices and aims to help these growers achieve better returns.
Why This Scheme Is Important
Eco-certification is becoming increasingly important in global markets. Consumers are looking for products that are not only high in quality but also produced responsibly. This scheme empowers Indian coffee growers to meet these global demands, thereby increasing their competitiveness and earning potential. It's a step towards a more sustainable and rewarding future for the Indian coffee industry.
Objective
Benefits
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- You should own a coffee farm of up to 10 hectares.
- If you are part of a grower group (like SHGs or collectives), the group needs to get certified for quality and sustainability.
- You must not have received a subsidy for the same activity during the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) period, unless you are a new beneficiary.
- You need to get certified under recognized programs like Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, or Bird Friendly/Shade Grown coffee standards.
- If you are applying for organic certification support, you must be certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards.
- Certification must be obtained from agencies that are accredited by their respective certification programs.
- Non-tribal growers in non-traditional areas with coffee holdings up to 10 hectares are also eligible.
How To Apply
- Download and fill out the application form in duplicate from the prescribed format available at this link.
- Gather all the required documents.
- Submit your completed application along with all necessary documents to the Coffee Board office.
- Ensure you submit all applications and documents within the same financial year that the certification activity was completed.
Documents Required
To claim your subsidy, you'll need to submit the following:
- Application Form: The completed application in duplicate, as per the prescribed format.
- Proof of Identity/Registration: Proof of your identity as a grower, or the registration certificate if you're applying as a grower group.
- Certification Document: A copy of the certificate issued by the accredited Certification Agency.
- Land Ownership Proof: Any of the following documents proving your land ownership:
- For Karnataka: Copy of Patta/Khatha Extract along with Record of Rights (RTC) for all survey numbers with coffee.
- For Kodagu District, Karnataka: Copy of Land Possession Certificate from the competent Revenue authority (Atalji Kendra) / Central Record Center (CRC) along with RTCs for all survey numbers with multiple names.
- For Tamil Nadu: Copy of Chitta & Adangal.
- For Kerala: Copy of Land Possession Certificate from the competent Revenue authority.
- Attested Documents:
- An attested copy of the Certificate from the accredited Certification Agency.
- Original invoice/bill for the certification cost and proof of payment.
- A copy of your Bank Pass Book (preferably Aadhaar seeded) showing account holder name, account number, bank name, branch, and IFSC code.
- If you are a GPA holder, an attested copy of the registered GPA.
- If you are an SC/ST category grower applying individually, a caste/community certificate issued by the competent authority.
FAQ’s
What is the main goal of the 'Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Eco-certification of Coffee' scheme?
The primary objective is to help coffee growers access premium specialty markets by producing eco-certified coffee. This helps them achieve better income by meeting quality, traceability, social, and environmental standards.
Who is eligible for this eco-certification support?
Individual growers with up to 10 hectares of coffee land and groups of small growers like SHGs or collectives are eligible if they obtain certification for sustainability and quality.
How much financial support can I get for eco-certification?
The scheme covers 50% of the certification cost, capped at ₹50,000 for individual growers or groups. For organic certification, this support is spread over three years or the conversion period, and for other certificates, it's for one year during the MIDH period.
Are there any special benefits for SC/ST community growers?
Yes, individual growers from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe community owning up to 4.00 hectares can receive an additional 10% of the certification cost, with the total subsidy going up to ₹55,000 during the MIDH period.
What types of coffee certifications are supported by this scheme?
Support is available for various standards, including Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, and Bird Friendly/Shade Grown coffee certifications, as well as other equivalent programs.
Do I need to get certified by a specific agency?
Yes, you must obtain your certification only from agencies that are accredited by the respective certification programs.
What if I'm a non-tribal grower in a non-traditional coffee-growing area?
Non-tribal coffee growers in non-traditional areas with coffee holdings of up to 10 hectares are also eligible to apply for this support.
Can I get the same subsidy if I've received similar support before?
You cannot avail the same subsidy for one activity or component if you have already received it during the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) period, unless you are a new beneficiary being covered.
What documents do I need to submit to claim the subsidy?
You'll need your application form, proof of identity or registration, a copy of your certification, land ownership documents, the original invoice for certification costs, your bank passbook copy, and if applicable, an attested GPA copy and SC/ST community certificate.
When should I submit my application for subsidy?
You should submit your application along with all required documents to the Coffee Board office within the same financial year in which the certification activity was completed.
What are the requirements for organic certification specifically?
If you are seeking support for organic certification, you must be certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards.
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