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Agriculture,Rural & Environment

Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Eco-certification of Coffee

The scheme encourages coffee growers to access high-value speciality markets through the production of eco-certified coffees to realize higher returns by adhering to a set of standards that help in the communication of the various conditions surrounding the production of coffee.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Extent of Support/ Subsidy | Certification Support: 50% of the certification cost, subject to a maximum of ₹50,000 (Rupees 50,000) per individual grower/grower groups. In the case of Organic certification, spread over a period of 3 years or the conversion period, whichever is less; in the case of other certificates, one year, during the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) period. | Additional Support for SC/ST Community: Individual coffee growers belonging to the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) community with a coffee holding size of up to 4.00 hectares are eligible for an additional 10% of the certification cost, subject to a maximum of ₹55,000 (Rupees 55,000) per grower during the MIDH period.

Who can apply

**Individual Growers:** Individual growers owning up to 10 hectares of coffee holding and groups of small growers (SHGs, collectives) who obtain certification of their plantations for various sustainability and quality standards are eligible.1. **Subsidy Limit:** A grower who has availed subsidy under one activity/component is not eligible to avail subsidy for the same activity/component during the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) period unless new beneficiaries are covered.1. **Certification Support:** Support is available for certification of estates as per Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird Friendly/Shade Grown coffee standards, or any other certification programs equivalent to the above programs.1. **Organic Certification:** Those claiming support for organic certification should have been certified as per the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards, even if they are certified as per various international standards like EU Regulation, NOP (National Organic Program of USA), JAS (Japanese Agriculture Standards), etc.1. **Certification Agencies:** The certificate should be obtained only from the Certification Agencies accredited by the respective Certification Programs.1. Non-Traditional Areas: Non-tribal coffee growers in Non-Traditional Areas with coffee holding sizes of up to 10 hectares are also eligible.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the process for claiming the subsidy?

After obtaining certification from an accredited agency, growers must submit their application, certificate copy, and relevant documents to the Coffee Board office in the same financial year as the activity's completion.

Is this support available to non-tribal coffee growers in Non-Traditional Areas?

Yes, non-tribal coffee growers in Non-Traditional Areas with coffee holdings of up to 10 hectares are also eligible for this support.

Where should certification be obtained?

Certificates should only be obtained from Certification Agencies accredited by the respective Certification Programs.

What are the criteria for organic certification?

Growers seeking support for organic certification should have been certified as per the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards.

What types of certification are supported?

This support covers certification standards such as Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird Friendly/Shade Grown coffee, and any equivalent certification programs.

Can a grower avail the same subsidy for multiple activities/components?

No, a grower cannot avail the same subsidy for one activity/component during the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) period unless new beneficiaries are included.

Who is eligible for this support?

Individual growers with coffee holdings of up to 10 hectares and small grower groups (SHGs, collectives) obtaining certification for sustainability and quality standards are eligible.

Are there any special provisions for SC/ST community growers?

Yes, individual coffee growers from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) community with holdings up to 4.00 hectares can receive an additional 10% of the certification cost, up to [?]55,000 during the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) period.

How much support is provided for certification costs?

Certification support covers 50% of the certification cost, with a maximum of [?]50,000 per individual grower or grower groups. For organic certification, this support is distributed over three years or the conversion period.

What is the primary goal of the "Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Eco-certification of Coffee" scheme?

This scheme aims to encourage coffee growers to access high-value specialty markets by producing eco-certified coffees, adhering to quality, traceability, social, environmental, and financial standards.

What documents are required to claim the subsidy?

Documents include the application, proof of identity/registration, certification documents, land ownership documents, attested certification certificate, original invoice/bill, bank passbook copy, and, if applicable, a GPA holder's attested copy and SC/ST community certificate.

What's the procedure for claiming the subsidy?

After obtaining certification from an accredited agency, growers must submit their application, certificate copy, and relevant documents to the Coffee Board office in the same financial year as the activity's completion.

Can non-tribal coffee growers in Non-Traditional Areas apply?

Yes, non-tribal coffee growers in Non-Traditional Areas with holdings up to 10 hectares are eligible for this support.

Where should growers obtain certification?

Certificates should be obtained only from Certification Agencies accredited by the respective Certification Programs.

Is there additional support for SC/ST community growers?

Yes, individual coffee growers from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) community with holdings up to 4.00 hectares can receive an extra 10% of the certification cost, up to [?]55,000 during the MIDH period.

Is there a limit to availing subsidies?

Yes, a grower can't avail the same subsidy for one activity/component during the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) period unless new beneficiaries are covered.

What support or subsidy is available for certification?

Certification support covers 50% of the certification cost, with a maximum of [?]50,000 per individual grower/grower groups. For organic certification, it's spread over three years or the conversion period, while for other certificates, it's for one year during the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) period.

What types of certification are supported?

Support is available for certification in various standards like Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird Friendly/Shade Grown coffee, or any other equivalent certification programs.