Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Replantation

Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Replantation is a Central government scheme that helps coffee growers replace old, senile and unproductive coffee bushes with high-yielding, disease-tolerant varieties. Run by the Coffee Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the scheme gives a cash subsidy of 40% of the unit cost to small growers who replant their coffee. Applications for the 2026-27 financial year are open now, and the last date to apply is 30 August 2026.

This support works as a key part of the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP). The main aim is to improve the production and productivity of coffee plantations by encouraging replantation of old and low-yielding Arabica and Robusta plants. Whether a grower manages Arabica or Robusta, the scheme provides the money help needed to upgrade the plantation well.

Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas: Replantation - Introduction

Coffee Board has invited applications from coffee growers for the 2026-27 financial year under the ICDP. The replantation component covers traditional coffee-growing areas such as Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Growers can apply for a subsidy on clean replanting or the interlining method of replantation.

The subsidy is paid directly to the bank account of the grower through EFT, RTGS or NEFT once the field officer verifies the work. The amount is based on the unit cost fixed for Arabica and Robusta, and the subsidy is released in two instalments depending on the method of replantation chosen.

Benefits

Financial support is calculated based on the unit cost fixed for each crop type. For example, if a coffee grower named Ramesh takes up clean replanting, the unit cost is as follows:

A grower is eligible for a subsidy of 40% of the unit cost. If the grower belongs to the SC/ST community and has a holding up to 4.00 hectares, an additional support of 10% is given. The subsidy is released in two instalments based on the method of replantation.

Subsidy Instalment Schedule:

• Clean Replanting: 70% is released as the first instalment and 30% as the second instalment.
• Interlining Method: 30% is released as the first instalment and 70% as the second instalment after the old plants are removed.

Eligibility

To qualify for this support, the grower should meet the following criteria:

1. The grower must be a small coffee grower with a holding size of up to 10 hectares.
2. The existing plantation should feature old or unproductive trees, specifically Arabica over 25 years, Robusta over 40 years, or Arabica dwarfs over 15 years old.
3. The grower should adopt either clean replanting or the interlining method.
4. For interlining, the old plants must be removed within one to two harvest cycles so the new plants get enough sunlight and root space.
5. For plantations above 1000 meters elevation, only Arabica varieties should be replanted.

Exclusions

Please note that the subsidy cannot be claimed in these cases:

1. A grower who has already availed a subsidy for the same activity within the current Medium Term Framework period.
2. Replacing Arabica with Robusta at an elevation exceeding 1000 meters, as this is not covered.

Application Process

Applications for the 2026-27 cycle are accepted online through the Coffee Board website at coffeeboard.gov.in. Growers who already have a Grower ID can log in to the Online Subsidy System and apply under the 'Apply New' tab. New growers should first register on the grower registration page. The steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Go to the Coffee Board website at coffeeboard.gov.in and open the grower registration or subsidy login page. If the grower already has a Grower ID, log in to the Online Subsidy System. New growers must register by giving their applicant type, main applicant details and property details.

STEP 2 - After login, click on the 'Apply New' tab and select the replantation component. Fill in the details of the estate, the area proposed for replanting and the method of replantation chosen.

STEP 3 - Upload the required documents in PDF format, each file under 2 MB, and check the declaration box. A field officer will visit the farm and issue a Technical Feasibility Report (TFR). The replantation work must not be started before the TFR is issued.

STEP 4 - After completing the planting, submit the claim statement along with the expenditure records. Once the field officer verifies the progress, the Deputy Director (Extension) will release the subsidy directly to the bank account of the grower through EFT, RTGS or NEFT.

Documents

Keep these documents ready for the application:

1. Filled application form and self-declaration.
2. Aadhaar card copy.
3. Bank passbook details (Aadhaar-seeded).
4. A rough sketch of the estate with demarcated plot boundaries.
5. Land ownership proof (Patta, Khatha, or relevant state-specific land records).
6. Caste certificate if the applicant belongs to the SC/ST category.

References

Official Scheme Guidelines

Related scheme: Development Support for Coffee in Traditional Areas - Water Augmentation

FAQ's

How much is the unit cost for Arabica and Robusta?

The unit cost is ₹ 2,75,000 per hectare for Arabica and ₹ 2,00,000 per hectare for Robusta.

What percentage of subsidy will I receive?

A grower receives 40% of the unit cost as a subsidy.

Is there additional help for SC/ST growers?

Yes, if the grower belongs to the SC/ST community and has holdings up to 4 hectares, an extra 10% support is given.

How does the interlining method work for subsidy release?

30% of the total subsidy is given at the start and 70% after the old plants are removed and satisfactory growth is shown.

What if I have intercrops like pepper or banana?

The subsidy is calculated based on the actual area replanted with coffee, or the limit defined in the land documents, whichever is lower.

When do I need to remove my old trees?

If the interlining method is used, the old, unproductive trees should be removed after one harvest, or at the latest, after two harvests.