Coffee growers can now claim 75% of their certification costs under the updated Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Eco-certification of Coffee scheme, with a total financial help of up to ₹2,00,000 per applicant. The Coffee Board has launched this revised support under the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP) for the 2026-27 period to help farmers access high-value specialty markets through organic and eco-friendly standards.
This updated scheme merges previous organic, eco-certification, and natural farming support into a single streamlined program. Growers who obtain certification from accredited agencies can submit their claims online and receive direct payments to their bank accounts. The higher subsidy rate makes it much easier for small and medium holders to afford international sustainability standards like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and NPOP organic certification.
Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Eco-certification of Coffee - Introduction
The scheme helps coffee growers improve the quality of their produce and reach premium buyers worldwide. By covering three-quarters of the certification expense, the government removes the biggest financial barrier for farmers who want to switch to sustainable farming practices. The Coffee Board processes these claims through its official portal and releases funds directly using the PFMS system.
All applications for the current cycle must be submitted online through the Coffee Board website or the India Coffee App. Physical forms are accepted only for small growers who cannot access digital services, and officials upload those records within seven days. Every payment goes straight to an Aadhaar-linked bank account, ensuring clear tracking and fast disbursement.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Eco-certification of Coffee |
| Launched By | Coffee Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Scheme Type | Central Government Scheme |
| Beneficiaries | Coffee growers up to 25 hectares |
| Subsidy Amount | 75% of certification cost, up to ₹2,00,000 |
| Application Mode | Online via coffeeboard.gov.in |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via PFMS |
| Official Website | coffeeboard.gov.in |
Benefits
The updated guidelines provide a much stronger financial boost compared to the older version of this program. Growers receive a flat 75% reimbursement on their total certification expenses, capped at a maximum of ₹2,00,000 per applicant. This covers various recognized sustainability standards including organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, and Bird Friendly or Shade Grown certifications.
| Category | Support Limit |
|---|---|
| General Grower / Group | 75% of cost, capped at ₹2,00,000 |
| FPO / FPC Collectives | 75% of cost, capped at ₹2,00,000 |
The support works as backend reimbursement, meaning farmers pay the certification agency first and then claim the money back. Costs incurred during the in-conversion period for organic farms are also eligible for this financial help. Claims are settled once the Coffee Board verifies the documents and completes a field inspection.
Eligibility
Any coffee grower or group meeting the following conditions can apply for this certification support:
- Individual holdings of any category with up to 25 hectares of coffee land are eligible to apply.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and small grower collectives can apply jointly for group certification.
- The certification must come from an accredited agency recognized under programs like NPOP, EU Regulation, NOP (USA), or JAS (Japan).
- Growers must have obtained the actual certificate during the current plan period to qualify for the claim.
- Applicants must be registered coffee growers on the Coffee Board portal before submitting their application.
Note: A grower who has already received subsidy for the same activity under another component during the current plan period cannot claim this benefit again unless new beneficiaries are added to the group.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026-27 financial year are processed entirely online. Farmers who face difficulties with digital submissions can hand over physical forms to their nearest Coffee Board extension office, where staff will upload them while keeping the original receipt date intact.
STEP 1 - Register on the Coffee Board website at coffeeboard.gov.in or download the India Coffee App and complete your grower registration profile with all required details.
STEP 2 - Obtain the eco-certification or organic certification from an accredited certification body and keep the original invoice, payment proof, and the certificate safe.
STEP 3 - Log in to the portal, fill out the prescribed claim form under the Organic Certification / Eco certification / Natural farming component, and upload all scanned documents including identity proof, land ownership records, and the certification certificate.
STEP 4 - Submit the online application and wait for the concerned Joint Liaison Officer or State Liaison Officer to conduct a field inspection and verify the books and records.
STEP 5 - Once the Deputy Director (Extension) approves the claim after physical verification, the subsidy amount is transferred directly to your Aadhaar-seeded bank account through PFMS.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting your online application:
- Duly filled application cum claim statement in the prescribed format, signed by the applicant or authorized signatory.
- Copy of Aadhaar card or any other photo identity proof issued by the Government of India.
- Copy of the certificate issued by the accredited certification agency showing the scope of certification.
- Land ownership documents such as Patta / Khatha Extract with RTCs for Karnataka, Chitta & Adangal for Tamil Nadu, or Land Possession Certificate for Kerala.
- Original invoice or bill with GST number towards the fee paid to the certification agency.
- Proof of payment showing the transaction details for the certification costs.
- Copy of the scheduled bank passbook containing account number, IFSC code, and branch name.
- Caste certificate for SC / ST category applicants applying individually.
- In case of FPOs or groups: registration certificate, memorandum of association, and a list of all member growers.
References
FAQ's
How much subsidy can a coffee grower receive?
Eligible growers can claim 75% of their total certification cost, with a maximum ceiling of ₹2,00,000 per applicant during the plan period.
Who can apply under this scheme?
Individual coffee growers holding up to 25 hectares and registered groups like FPOs, FPCs, and SHGs are eligible to apply for certification support.
Is the application process online or offline?
The primary application method is online through the Coffee Board website or the India Coffee App. Offline applications are accepted only for growers who cannot access digital services.
Which certifications are covered under this scheme?
The scheme supports Organic Certification (NPOP), Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird Friendly, Shade Grown, and any other equivalent international standards.
Can costs during the conversion period be claimed?
Yes, the scheme provides backend support that includes expenses incurred during the in-conversion period for organic certification.
How is the subsidy amount paid to beneficiaries?
The approved subsidy is released directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-seeded bank account through the PFMS system. No cash payments are made.
What happens if someone submits wrong information?
Applications found to contain false details, misrepresentation, or suppressed information will be rejected, and legal action for recovery with interest may be initiated against the applicant.
Do FPOs and collectives get special benefits?
FPOs and FPCs are encouraged to apply for group certification. They receive the same 75% subsidy rate and can create common facilities for future use by members.
Where should I submit my claim documents?
All documents must be uploaded online through the Coffee Board portal. After verification, the concerned extension office may conduct a physical inspection before releasing the payment.