National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture - Reinforced Area Development 2026

This scheme by the Assam government aims to boost the state's tea industry by encouraging the production Read More... of Orthodox and Specialty teas, ensuring the sector's long-term financial health. Read less

Details

Assam's tea industry is getting a special boost with the 'Orthodox or Specialty Tea Production Subsidy' under the Assam Tea Industries Special Incentives Scheme (ATISIS). Launched in 2020 by the Finance (Institutional Finance) Department, this initiative is designed to make the tea sector more financially stable and encourage manufacturers to switch from the common Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) method to producing Orthodox and Specialty teas.

What Is This Scheme?

Simply put, this is a financial incentive scheme by the Government of Assam. It helps tea manufacturers by providing a subsidy on every kilogram of Orthodox, Green, White, Oolong, or other specialty teas they produce. The goal is to promote these higher-value teas and ensure the sustainability of tea businesses in Assam.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is for tea plantation owners and tea manufacturing units located entirely within Assam. Whether you produce CTC, Orthodox, or specialty teas, you might be eligible. Specifically, if you are manufacturing Orthodox, Green, White, Oolong, Singhpo, Purple, Yellow tea, or any other Specialty tea (not made through the CTC process) and have started production on or after April 1, 2020, you can apply.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The scheme is crucial for diversifying Assam's tea production, moving towards premium tea varieties that can fetch better prices in the market. By supporting the shift to Orthodox and specialty teas, it aims to improve the profitability of tea estates, create more value, and strengthen the overall tea industry in the state for years to come.

Objective

This scheme by the Assam government aims to boost the state's tea industry by encouraging the production of Orthodox and Specialty teas, ensuring the sector's long-term financial health.

Benefits

Financial Help:Provides financial assistance to eligible farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
Improved Agronomic Practices:Encourages the implementation of location-specific, modern, and efficient farming techniques.
Soil Health Management:Supports initiatives for maintaining and enhancing soil fertility and health.
Enhanced Rainwater Use Efficiency:Promotes techniques and infrastructure for optimal utilization of rainwater in agriculture.
Judicious Use of Chemicals:Advocates for reduced and responsible application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Crop Diversification:Encourages farmers to cultivate a variety of crops, promoting resilience and better income opportunities.
Integrated Farming Systems:Supports the adoption of integrated crop-livestock-tree farming for holistic farm management.

Sources and references

Guidelines (Scheme No. 393)

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scheme, you need to meet the following conditions:

Location: Your tea plantation and manufacturing unit must be located entirely within the State of Assam. No part of your operations should be outside Assam.
Applicant Type: You must be a tea plantation owner or a tea manufacturing unit producing Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) tea, Orthodox tea, or specialty tea (including Green, Oolong, White, Yellow, and Purple tea).
Production Type: For the production subsidy, you must be manufacturing Orthodox tea, Green tea, White tea, Oolong tea, Singhpo tea, Purple Tea, Yellow tea, or other Specialty teas that are not produced using the Crush, Tear, Curl process.
Production Start Date: Your production of these eligible specialty teas must have commenced on or after April 1, 2020.

How To Apply

The application process is managed online through a dedicated portal for transparency and ease of access:

Visit the official online portal for the Assam Tea Industries Special Incentives Scheme (ATISIS).
Register yourself as a new user if you haven't already.
Follow the instructions on the portal to fill out and submit your application for the subsidy.
Ensure you submit your claims by the stipulated deadline of 30th June each year, after the financial year ends.

Documents Required

You will need to provide the following documents to support your application:

Monthly E-Returns of Tea Production, as submitted to the Tea Board of India.
A valid Tea Production Certificate.
Your Tea Manufacturing License.
Proof of Orthodox/Speciality Tea Production.

FAQ’s

Who is this tea production subsidy scheme designed for?

This scheme is for tea plantations and manufacturing units located entirely in Assam. It specifically aims to support those producing Orthodox, Green, White, Oolong, or other specialty teas, encouraging a shift from the standard Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) method.

What is the main goal of the Assam Tea Industries Special Incentives Scheme?

The scheme's primary objective is to make the tea industry in Assam financially stable for the long term. It also serves as an incentive for manufacturers to move from producing Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) tea to making Orthodox tea.

Can I receive this subsidy if my tea manufacturing unit is partly outside Assam?

No, for eligibility, your tea plantation and manufacturing facility must be located entirely within the State of Assam. No part of your operation can be outside Assam.

What types of tea qualify for the subsidy under this scheme?

The subsidy is for Orthodox tea, Green tea, White tea, Oolong tea, Singhpo tea, Purple Tea, Yellow tea, or any other Specialty tea that is not manufactured using the Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) process.

How can I claim the subsidy amount?

The subsidy is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This means the money is reimbursed directly into your registered bank account.

Is there a specific date by which I must submit my subsidy claims each year?

Yes, you must submit your claims no later than June 30th, once each financial year is completed.

What happens if my tea production started before April 1, 2020?

To be eligible for the production subsidy, your tea manufacturing unit must have started producing the specified Orthodox or specialty teas on or after April 1, 2020.

How long is this scheme valid for applications?

The validity period for this scheme has been extended. You can apply for benefits up to the Financial Year 2027-28.

Are there any size requirements for tea plantations to be eligible?

No, tea plantations of all sizes are eligible to apply for this scheme. There are no minimum or maximum size restrictions for plantations.

What is the standard subsidy amount per kilogram of specialty tea?

The standard subsidy amount is ₹10 per kilogram for eligible Orthodox or specialty teas.

Is there a different subsidy rate for applications made during the Financial Year 2023-24?

Yes, for applications submitted during the Financial Year 2023-24 (relating to tea production in 2022-23), a special rate of ₹12 per kilogram is offered.

Can I combine this subsidy with other subsidies from agencies like the Tea Board of India?

Absolutely. This subsidy is provided in addition to any other subsidies you may already be receiving from the Tea Board of India or any other relevant agency.

What are the basic documents needed to apply for this subsidy?

You will typically need to submit your monthly e-returns of tea production to the Tea Board of India, a Tea Production Certificate, your Tea Manufacturing License, and evidence of Orthodox/Speciality Tea Production.

Where can I find the online portal to apply for this scheme?

You should visit the dedicated online portal for the Assam Tea Industries Special Incentives Scheme (ATISIS) to register and apply. The exact web address would be available through official Assam government channels.