National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): Scholarship Component 2026

This part of the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme helps small tea growers boost their tea production, Read More... quality, and sustainability with mechanization and support for organic farming. Read less

Details

The Indian government, through the Tea Board, has launched the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme (TDPS) for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-2026). This comprehensive scheme is designed to protect, grow, and sustain the Indian tea industry. One key component, the "Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers (PDSTG)" with a focus on "Mechanization for Individual Small Growers," aims to equip small tea growers with the tools and support they need to thrive.

What Is This Scheme?

This specific component of the TDPS focuses on providing financial assistance for the mechanization of tea plantations owned by individual small tea growers. The goal is to improve production, enhance tea quality, and make small growers more self-reliant. It also promotes sustainable practices like organic tea cultivation and climate-resilient farming.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The primary beneficiaries are individual small tea growers in India. This includes members of self-help groups (SHGs) and Farmers' Producer Organizations (FPOs) who cultivate tea. The scheme aims to empower these growers by making advanced machinery accessible.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The Indian tea industry needs to remain competitive globally. By supporting small tea growers with mechanization, the scheme directly contributes to increased productivity and better quality teas. It helps small growers move up the value chain, become more sustainable, and achieve self-reliance. Promoting organic and climate-resilient farming further ensures long-term viability and environmental responsibility.

Objective

This part of the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme helps small tea growers boost their tea production, quality, and sustainability with mechanization and support for organic farming.

Benefits

Financial Coverage:The scholarship covers tuition fees, admission fees, examination fees, and other annual fees/charges as required by the academic institution.

Stipend:In addition to the academic fees, eligible candidates will receive a stipend of ₹5,000/- per month, subject to a maximum of ₹2,00,000/- per child per annum or actuals, whichever is less.

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):Funds will be directly transferred to the bank account of the concerned handloom weaver/worker or their children through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Payment Schedule

The scholarship for the first year will be disbursed after the admission of the ward of handloom weavers/workers.

Subsequent years' scholarships will be paid upon submission of the proposal, along with a copy of the mark sheet for the annual exam, and admission proof for the next academic session from the relevant institution.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

The scheme is open to:

Individual small tea growers.
Members of self-help groups (SHGs).
Members of Farmers' Producer Organizations (FPOs).

How To Apply

Applications can be submitted physically at the Tea Board's field offices (Zonal Offices/Regional Offices/Sub-Regional Offices/Headquarters) if the online portal is not yet operational.
The Competent Authority may accept physical submissions until the online platform is ready.
Official Address for application submission (if applicable and available): Check with the nearest Tea Board office.
Official Application Link (once available): Details will be provided by the Tea Board.

Documents Required

Tea Board registration or a QR-based identity smart card issued by the Tea Board. If you don't have one, you can obtain it by showing proof of land ownership or a possession certificate from the State Government.
For individual small tea growers, a survey map (A-4 size) of the tea area is needed. This map must be drawn by a government-approved surveyor or the Land Revenue department and certified by both the issuing authority and the applicant.
A self-declaration confirming compliance with PPC (Prevention of Food Adulteration) regulations.
For individuals: Aadhar Card. For others (SHGs/FPOs/FPCs): PAN/TAN/GST registration, as applicable.
Bank account details with IFSC code for receiving financial assistance. Please upload a cancelled cheque. The bank account should be linked with a mobile number and Aadhar.
For SHGs/FPOs/FPCs: A copy of a recent resolution, along with the details of office bearers and members, indicating the tea area under their command.

FAQ’s

Who is eligible to apply for this mechanization scheme for small tea growers?

You are eligible if you are a small tea grower. This also includes members of self-help groups and Farmers' Producer Organizations. You'll need to have registered with the Tea Board or have an identity smart card issued by them.

What kind of financial help can I get for buying a Pruning Machine?

You can get financial assistance up to ₹30,000 for a Pruning Machine. This assistance is provided for every 5.00 hectares of tea area you own.

Can I apply for more than one type of equipment under this scheme?

Yes, you can apply for more than one activity or equipment in a single application, depending on your eligibility. However, typically only one application will be considered per component.

How will I receive the subsidy amount if my application is approved?

All subsidy payments are made directly to your bank account through electronic methods like RTGS, NEFT, or PFMS. It's important to provide correct bank account details linked to your mobile number and Aadhar.

What happens if the ownership of my tea garden changes before I receive all the subsidy payments?

If the ownership of a tea garden changes before the subsidy is fully disbursed, the previous owner will no longer be eligible for further payments once the transfer or sale is finalized.

Is there any application fee for this scheme?

Yes, an application fee of ₹100 plus GST is required from most applicants. However, candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), females, and differently-abled individuals are exempt from this fee.

What are the assistance limits for a Mechanical Harvester?

For a Single Man Mechanical Harvester, the ceiling limit for assistance is ₹25,000. For a Double Man Mechanical Harvester, it is ₹40,000. This is applicable for every 10.00 hectares of your tea area.

What is the purpose of the 'Self-declaration under PPC compliance' document?

This document is a declaration that you comply with all relevant laws, especially those related to the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. It assures adherence to food safety standards in your tea production.

If I don't have a Tea Board identity card, how can I get one to apply?

If you don't have an identity card from the Tea Board, you can obtain one by submitting documents that prove your land ownership. If you don't have title deeds, a possession certificate issued by the concerned State Government from the nearest field office will suffice.

What should I do if the online application system isn't ready yet?

If the online application platform is not yet ready, you can submit your application physically at the nearest Tea Board field office. The authorities may allow physical submissions until the online system is fully operational.

What are the key goals of the PDSTG component of the TDPS scheme?

The PDSTG component aims to significantly improve tea production, productivity, and quality. It focuses on the overall development of small tea growers, helping them move up the value chain and become self-reliant, while also promoting sustainable practices like organic and climate-resilient tea cultivation.

What are the requirements for the survey map document?

The survey map of your tea area should be A-4 size and prepared by a government-approved surveyor or the Land Revenue department. It needs to be duly certified and signed by both the issuing authority and you, the applicant, where applicable.