Promotion of Post-Harvest Management, Processing, and Value Addition of Aromatic Plant Produce to Farmers, Institutions, and Groups

Promotion of Post-Harvest Management, Processing, and Value Addition of Aromatic Plant Produce to Farmers, Institutions, and Groups helps farmers and institutions in Uttarakhand build post-harvest and processing facilities with financial support. This scheme, run by the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Selaqui, Dehradun, offers a grant of up to ₹10 lakh to set up distillation, drying, and storage units, and supports entrepreneurship in the aromatic sector.

Uttarakhand government continues to run this scheme through CAP for the 2026-27 period. Farmers, institutions, and groups already registered with CAP can apply to improve how they handle their aromatic harvest and get better returns from their produce.

Promotion of Post-Harvest Management, Processing, and Value Addition of Aromatic Plant Produce - Introduction

This scheme is made for the aromatic economy of Uttarakhand. It is implemented by the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Selaqui, Dehradun, under the Department of Horticulture. The main aim is to give farmers, institutions, and groups the money help needed to set up modern post-harvest management and processing facilities. By supporting drying, storage, and distillation units, the government helps farmers add more value to their aromatic produce and earn better.

CAP has been promoting the aromatic sector in the state since 2003. It works as a complete business incubator, offering training, planting material, distillation, and marketing support under one roof. This scheme is one part of that larger support system for aromatic crop farmers.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme gives strong money support to help scale up aromatic plant operations. The subsidy rate depends on the region where the project is set up.

A farmer can get a maximum grant of ₹10 lakh for machinery, equipment, and distillation units used for drying, storing, grading, and processing aromatic crops. The subsidy is paid directly to the bank account through DBT. Beyond the money, the scheme helps set up distillation facilities that can also serve other farmers in the cluster, encouraging cooperative work in the aromatic sector.

Eligibility

Only those who meet the basic conditions set by CAP can apply for this scheme. The main points are given below.

• The applicant must be a farmer, institution, or group based in Uttarakhand and involved in aromatic plant cultivation.
• The applicant must hold a valid registration with the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Selaqui, Dehradun.
• The project cluster must have enough space and capacity to support the required machinery and the aromatic cultivation area.

Application Process

The application process is simple and can be completed online, though site inspection is done physically. A farmer can follow these steps to apply.

STEP 1 - Get the application form from the official CAP website or from the local field representative. Fill in the form and attach a photograph, land records or lease certificates, CAP registration, and plant specifications. Submit it to the Director of CAP or the local field assistant.

STEP 2 - A District Coordinator will visit the location to inspect the site. Once the site is approved, the Director of CAP will issue written permission to begin construction.

STEP 3 - Set up the distillation unit at own expense as per the approved specifications.

STEP 4 - Once the unit is ready, apply for the subsidy using the official form. Submit the form with bills, photographs of the unit, and bank account details. The evaluation committee will do a final inspection before the funds are sent to the account through DBT.

Documents

Keep these documents ready to make the approval process smooth and fast.

• Individual or applicant photograph
• Verified land records or valid lease certificates
• Official CAP registration certificate
• Technical description of the proposed distillation unit
• Original bills and invoices for equipment and machinery
• Photographs of the completed distillation unit
• Bank account details for subsidy transfer
• Recommendation letter from the Master Trainer or Technical Assistant

References

For more details about the scheme and other CAP incentives, visit the official Centre for Aromatic Plants website.

FAQ's

Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?

Farmers, registered organizations, and groups actively involved in aromatic plant cultivation within Uttarakhand and registered with CAP are eligible to apply.

Is CAP registration mandatory for new applicants?

Yes, all applicants must be registered with the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Selaqui, Dehradun, before applying for financial support.

What amount of financial support does this scheme cover?

The scheme offers a grant of up to ₹10 lakh to cover costs for machinery, drying sheds, storage units, and distillation infrastructure.

How is the subsidy amount calculated based on location?

The government provides a subsidy rate of 75% for applicants in hilly regions and 50% for those in plain areas, paid through DBT.

What specific facilities are supported under this program?

The scheme supports infrastructure for drying, storage, grading, and distillation processing of aromatic plant produce.

What is the first step for a farmer wanting to start a distillation plant?

A farmer should download the application form from the CAP website or contact a field worker to submit the proposal to the Director of CAP.

What happens after the application is submitted?

The District Coordinator will conduct an on-site inspection, after which the Director of CAP will provide written permission to proceed with setting up the unit.

When should the subsidy release be applied for?

The subsidy disbursement application should be made once the distillation unit is fully set up and ready for operation as per the project specifications.