SERB International Research Experience 2026

This Coffee Board scheme supports tribal growers in the North East by promoting coffee cultivation and helping Read More... them settle permanently through afforestation efforts. Read less

Details

Are you a tribal grower in the North East looking to expand coffee cultivation and secure a stable future? The Coffee Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has a special program designed just for you!

What Is This Scheme?

The "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Expansion of Coffee" is a key part of the larger "Integrated Coffee Development Project." Its main goal is to encourage planting coffee in areas traditionally used for Jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation). This helps the environment by afforestation and supports tribal communities in finding more permanent ways to earn a living.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This initiative is specifically for tribal growers. If you are a tribal farmer and your land is found suitable for growing coffee by the Coffee Board's experts, you could be eligible.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This program is vital for sustainable development in the North Eastern region. It addresses environmental concerns by promoting afforestation and provides economic opportunities for tribal communities, helping them move towards settled agriculture and better livelihoods.

Objective

This Coffee Board scheme supports tribal growers in the North East by promoting coffee cultivation and helping them settle permanently through afforestation efforts.

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

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a tribal grower.
The land you wish to cultivate coffee on must be deemed suitable for coffee cultivation by officers of the Coffee Board.
You are required to purchase your coffee seed material exclusively from the Coffee Board.

How To Apply

To claim the subsidy, follow these steps:

Obtain the Form: Get the application form in the prescribed format from the Coffee Board's Extension Office or download it from their official website.
Fill and Submit: Complete the application and self-declaration form accurately. Attach all the required documents. Submit the filled form in duplicate to the concerned Extension Office of the Coffee Board.
Verification: The Joint Director (Extn.) / Deputy Director (Extn.) will verify your application and confirm if you are eligible for the subsidy.
Subsidy Release: Once approved, the subsidy amount will be released in installments directly to your bank account.

Note: For claiming the second installment, you will need to submit the application and self-declaration again in the prescribed format.

Official Link for Form: Prescribed Application Format

Documents Required

For Claiming the 1st Installment:

Application and Self-Declaration form, duly filled and signed by you (in duplicate).
Proof of your photo identity (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card).
Proof of Land Ownership.
Your Bank Account details (Account Number, Bank Name, Branch, IFSC Code).
Land records or possession certificate, certified by the Village Authority or State Government Authority.

Important Note: The land records must be in the name of the beneficiary.

For Claiming the 2nd Installment:

Application and Self-Declaration form, duly filled and signed by you (in duplicate), as per the prescribed format.

FAQ’s

What is the main aim of the "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region"?

The primary goal of this scheme is to promote coffee cultivation by encouraging afforestation in Jhum lands and to help tribal communities establish permanent settlements.

How are the subsidy payments made to the growers?

The subsidy is released directly to the grower's bank account through electronic methods like EFT, RTGS, or NEFT, ensuring a smooth and secure transfer.

If I want to apply, where do I get the application form?

You can download the prescribed application format from the official Coffee Board website or obtain it from their Extension Offices.

What's the total financial support available per hectare under this program?

The program has a unit cost of ₹1,00,000 per hectare, and the subsidy provided is 50% of this, which amounts to ₹50,000 per hectare.

Can I buy coffee saplings from any nursery for this scheme?

No, you must purchase the seed material exclusively from the Coffee Board to be eligible for this scheme.

How many installments will I receive the subsidy in?

The subsidy is disbursed in two installments. The first installment covers 60% of the eligible subsidy amount, and the second installment covers the remaining 40%.

What kind of land documents do I need to provide?

You need to submit proof of land ownership and a land possession certificate duly certified by the Village Authority or a competent State Government Authority. Importantly, these land records must be in your name.

Who is eligible to apply for this Coffee Development Programme?

The scheme is specifically for tribal growers in the North Eastern Region whose land is considered suitable for coffee cultivation by the Coffee Board.

What happens if someone tries to influence the application or subsidy process unfairly?

The Coffee Board strictly rejects any applications from individuals who attempt to influence the process with offers or bribes. Furthermore, legal action will be taken against anyone providing false information or misrepresenting facts to get benefits.

Are there any specific conditions for receiving the second installment of the subsidy?

Yes, to claim the second installment, you will need to submit the application and self-declaration form again in the prescribed format. The Coffee Board will assess eligibility based on submitted documents and field verification.

Does the Coffee Board have the power to change the scheme's rules?

Yes, the Coffee Board reserves the right to modify or amend the terms and conditions of the scheme if it deems necessary for its effective implementation and to achieve the program's objectives.

What identification documents are accepted for the first installment?

You can submit a copy of your Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Ration Card, Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Passport, or PAN Card as proof of your photo identity.