SERB International Research Experience 2026
This Coffee Board scheme in the North Eastern Region supports tribal growers by facilitating coffee cultivation and Read More... afforestation in Jhum lands, aiming to help them settle permanently. Read less
Details
The Indian government, through its Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched a special initiative to boost coffee cultivation in the North Eastern Region. This scheme, officially called the "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Expansion of Coffee," is a key part of the "Integrated Coffee Development Project." Its main goal is to transform Jhum (slash-and-burn) farming lands into areas for coffee plantations and help tribal communities find a stable footing through permanent settlement.
What Is This Scheme?
This programme is designed to encourage coffee farming in the North Eastern states. It aims to bring about sustainable land use by promoting afforestation in areas traditionally used for Jhum cultivation. By doing so, it also supports tribal populations in adopting more settled and profitable agricultural practices.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
The primary beneficiaries of this scheme are tribal growers residing in the North Eastern Region. The programme specifically targets individuals whose land is deemed suitable for coffee cultivation by experts from the Coffee Board.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The scheme plays a crucial role in the economic development of the North East. It provides a sustainable alternative to Jhum cultivation, which can degrade land over time. By promoting coffee farming, it offers tribal communities a reliable source of income and helps them achieve long-term economic security and settlement. The focus on afforestation also contributes to environmental conservation in the region.
Objective
Benefits
- The selected fellows will be paid a monthly fellowship amount equivalent to US $ 3000.
- One-time Contingency/Preparatory allowances of ₹75,000/- to cover visa fees, airport transfer charges, insurance, etc.,
- Overseas Medical Insurance in India and abroad of ₹20,000/-.
- The selected fellows will also be provided the shortest route economy class airfare from their place of work in India to the place of the host institute and back.
Note 01:The maximum duration of the abroad visit is limited to 06 months.
Note 02:For scientists/researchers in regular employment, rules governing payment of salary, leave, medical, gratuity, GPF pension, etc. of the organization/ institution/ university to which the fellow belongs would continue to be applicable as per their institutional norms. No liability on any of these will be borne by SERB.
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must belong to a tribal community.
- The land intended for cultivation must be assessed as suitable for coffee growing by officers of the Coffee Board.
- Seed material for coffee plants must be purchased solely from the Coffee Board.
How To Apply
To apply for the scheme and claim subsidies, growers need to follow a structured process:
- Obtain Application Form: Get the prescribed application form, which is available online.
- Complete Application: Fill out the application and self-declaration form carefully. Ensure all details are accurate and in duplicate.
- Attach Documents: Gather all the necessary documents as listed.
- Submission: Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the relevant Extension Office of the Coffee Board after completing the planting.
The first and second installments of the eligible subsidy amount will be released to the grower's bank account after the Joint Director (Extn.) or Deputy Director (Extn.) confirms the claim's admissibility.
Official Link for Application Form: Prescribed Format
Documents Required
For Claiming the 1st Installment:
- Completed application and self-declaration form (in duplicate).
- Proof of photo identity (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, PAN Card).
- Proof of land ownership.
- Bank account details (account number, bank name, branch, IFSC code).
- Land records or possession certificate certified by the Village Authority or State Government Authority. The land records must be in the name of the beneficiary.
For Claiming the 2nd Installment:
- Completed application and self-declaration form (in duplicate).
FAQ’s
What is the total cost per hectare for this coffee development program, and how much subsidy can a beneficiary receive?
The total unit cost for this program is ₹1,00,000 per hectare. Beneficiaries can receive a subsidy amounting to 50% of this cost, which is ₹50,000 per hectare.
How are the subsidy payments disbursed to the growers under this scheme?
The subsidy is released in two installments. The first installment covers 60% of the unit cost, and the second installment covers the remaining 40%. These payments are made directly to the grower's bank account through electronic methods like NEFT, RTGS, or EFT.
What specific documents are needed when a grower wants to claim the subsidy for the second installment?
To claim the second installment, growers need to submit the duly filled application and self-declaration form, which should be in duplicate.
Can anyone apply for this scheme, or are there specific groups who are eligible?
Eligibility is primarily for tribal growers. Additionally, the land area must be deemed suitable for coffee cultivation by Coffee Board officers, and the applicant must get their coffee seed material directly from the Coffee Board.
What is the main goal of the "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Expansion of Coffee"?
The program aims to encourage coffee cultivation and afforestation in the Jhum lands of the North Eastern Region. It also seeks to help tribal communities establish a permanent settlement.
Where can I find the official application form for this scheme?
You can access the prescribed format for the application and self-declaration form through the official link provided: Prescribed Format.
What proof of identity is accepted when applying for the first installment of the subsidy?
For the first installment, you can provide proof of photo identity such as a copy of your Driving License, Ration Card, Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Aadhaar Card, Passport, or PAN Card.
Does the scheme have any rules about where the coffee plants or seeds must be sourced from?
Yes, the scheme clearly states that applicants must procure their seed material exclusively from the Coffee Board.
How does the Coffee Board ensure that the subsidy is released correctly to the beneficiaries?
The Joint Director (Extn.) or Deputy Director (Extn.) of the Coffee Board verifies the eligibility of each claim. Once confirmed, they will release the approved subsidy amount directly to the grower's bank account via EFT/RTGS/NEFT.
Besides the application form, what other land-related documents are needed for the first subsidy installment?
You will need to provide proof of land ownership. Additionally, land records or a possession certificate, duly certified by the Village Authority or a State Government Authority, is required. Importantly, these land records must be in the name of the beneficiary.
Are there any specific actions taken against individuals who try to influence the application or subsidy process unfairly?
Yes, the Coffee Board has strict measures against unfair practices. Applications from those who attempt to influence the process through bribes or other means are rejected. Furthermore, legal action is taken against anyone who intentionally provides false information, misrepresents facts, or hides details to wrongly claim subsidy benefits.
What is the role of the Coffee Board's Extension Offices in the subsidy disbursement process?
The Coffee Board's Extension Offices, along with the Joint Directors and Deputy Directors, play a key role. They are responsible for confirming the admissibility of claims and facilitating the release of the eligible subsidy amounts to the growers after verification.
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