National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): Scholarship Component 2026

This part of the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme helps small tea growers boost tea production, improve Read More... quality, and become more self-reliant through mechanization and sustainable farming practices. Read less

Details

The Indian government, through the Tea Board, has launched the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme (TDPS) for the period 2021-26. This comprehensive scheme aims to protect, grow, and sustain the Indian tea industry. A key part of this is the Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers (PDSTG) component, which specifically focuses on supporting individual small tea growers through mechanization.

What Is This Scheme?

The TDPS, including its PDSTG component, is designed to make Indian tea more competitive globally. It aims to increase production, improve quality, and help small tea growers move up the value chain. This involves promoting organic and climate-resilient tea cultivation, and encouraging growers to set up their own processing units to become self-reliant.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This specific component of mechanization is for individual small tea growers. It also extends support to members of self-help groups (SHGs) and Farmers' Producer Organizations (FPOs) who are involved in tea cultivation.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By providing financial assistance for modern equipment, this scheme helps small tea growers enhance their productivity and efficiency. This leads to better quality tea, which can fetch higher prices. It also supports sustainable farming practices, ensuring the long-term health of their plantations and the environment.

Objective

This part of the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme helps small tea growers boost tea production, improve quality, and become more self-reliant through mechanization and sustainable farming practices.

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

To be eligible for this scheme, you must be:

A small tea grower.
A member of a self-help group (SHG) or a Farmers' Producer Organization (FPO).

How To Apply

You can apply for this scheme through the following steps:

Application Mode: Initially, applications can be submitted physically at the nearest Tea Board field offices (Zonal Offices, Regional Offices, Sub-Regional Offices, or Headquarters) until the online application portal is fully operational.
Submission: Fill out the application form accurately.
Documentation: Gather all the required documents as listed below.
Verification: Submit your application and documents to the designated Tea Board office.
Processing: Your application will be reviewed by the Competent Authority.
Payment: If approved, the financial assistance will be disbursed through electronic modes like RTGS/NEFT/PFMS.

Official Address for Offline Submission: Applications can be submitted to the field offices of the Tea Board (ZO/ROs/SROs/HQ).

Online Application Link: Please check the official Tea Board website for the online application portal once it becomes active.

Documents Required

Proof of Tea Board registration or a QR-based identity smart card issued by the Tea Board. Alternatively, a unique identification number generated by the Tea Board.
For individual small tea growers: A survey map (A-4 size) of the tea area, drawn by a government-approved surveyor or the Land Revenue department, duly certified and signed by both the issuing authority and the applicant.
A self-declaration confirming compliance with PPC (Prevention of Food Adulteration) standards.
Proof of identity: Aadhar Card for individuals. For others, PAN, TAN, or GST registration as applicable.
Bank account details for receiving financial assistance. This includes the IFSC code. A cancelled cheque needs to be uploaded. The bank account should be linked with a mobile number and Aadhar.
For SHGs/FPOs/FPCs: A copy of a recent resolution, along with details of the office bearers and members, specifying the tea area under their command.

Note: If you are a small tea grower without a Tea Board identity card, you can obtain one by providing documents that prove land ownership. If title deeds are unavailable, a possession certificate issued by the concerned State Government from the nearest field office will be accepted.

FAQ’s

Can I apply for multiple types of equipment under this scheme?

Yes, you can apply for more than one type of mechanization activity in a single application, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each. However, only one application per component will be considered for subsidy.

What are the main objectives of the "Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers (PDSTG)" component?

The PDSTG component aims to significantly improve tea production, boost its quality, and support the overall growth of small tea growers. It focuses on making them self-reliant by promoting organic and climate-resilient cultivation and enabling them to set up their own processing units.

How are the subsidies paid out to eligible beneficiaries?

All subsidy amounts are disbursed electronically. This is done using secure payment systems like RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement), NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), and PFMS (Public Financial Management System).

What is the purpose of requiring a self-declaration under PPC compliance?

The self-declaration under PPC compliance is a confirmation that the applicant adheres to the standards set by the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. It's a commitment to maintaining food safety in tea production.

If I sell my tea garden after applying for a subsidy, what happens?

If there's a change in ownership of your tea garden before the subsidy is fully disbursed, you will no longer receive further subsidy payments after the transfer or sale is finalized. This rule prevents misuse of the scheme.

What are the financial limits and unit allocations for the Mechanical Harvester and Pruning Machine?

For the Mechanical Harvester, the subsidy limit is ₹25,000 for a single-man unit and ₹40,000 for a double-man unit, applicable for up to 10.00 hectares. The Pruning Machine has a subsidy limit of ₹30,000, with one machine provided for up to 5.00 hectares of tea area.

How are the survey maps of the tea garden supposed to be prepared and verified?

The survey map, preferably A-4 size, must be prepared by a government-approved surveyor or the Land Revenue department. It needs to be officially certified and signed by both the authority that issued it and the applicant themselves.

Are there any application fee waivers for certain groups?

Yes, an application fee of ₹100 plus GST is required for most applicants. However, individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), women, and persons with disabilities are exempted from paying this fee.

What is the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme (TDPS) all about?

The TDPS is a broad government initiative with seven key components designed to support and grow the Indian tea industry. It aims to boost production, enhance quality, and improve global competitiveness, with a special focus on small tea growers and sustainable practices.

How can I obtain a Tea Board identity card if I don't have one?

If you are a small tea grower and don't have an identity card from the Tea Board, you can apply for one at the nearest field office. You will need to provide documents proving your land ownership. If title deeds are not available, a possession certificate from the concerned State Government will be accepted.

Is it possible to submit applications physically, or is online submission mandatory?

Initially, the scheme allows for physical submission of applications at Tea Board field offices. This option is available until the online application platform is fully ready and operational. The Competent Authority may accept physical submissions during this transition period.

What does it mean to promote "organic tea cultivation" within this scheme?

Promoting organic tea cultivation means encouraging growers to produce tea without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. The focus is on sustainable methods that yield healthier tea and protect the environment.