Tea Development Scheme of Meghalaya gives farmers money help, subsidized tools and free seedlings so that tea farming can grow on a commercial scale. Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, keeps this state scheme open for individual farmers and families across the state.
The main idea behind this scheme is simple. Officials test experimental tea plantations, raise good quality seedlings at experimental stations and then hand them over to farmers. This way, farmers can find out whether tea grows well on their land and earns a steady income.
Tea Development Scheme - Introduction
Tea Development Scheme focuses on testing the possibility of growing tea economically as well as on a commercial scale. Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya runs this scheme with the help of Tea Development Centres located at Umsning, Rongram and Riangdo.
Through these centres, seedlings are raised in a controlled way and given to farmers at a very small cost. The scheme also trains farmers in organic farm management so that tea gardens stay healthy for many years. This helps build a long-term income source for tea growers in Meghalaya.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Tea Development Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Family |
| Beneficiary State | Meghalaya |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Family |
| Sub Category | Agricultural Inputs - seeds, fertilizer etc. |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture Department |
| Implementing Agency | Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya |
| Tags | Tea, Farmer, Financial Assistance, Agriculture, Horticulture, Tea Grower, Subsidy |
Benefits
This scheme offers different kinds of money help and practical support so that farmers can grow tea without spending too much on inputs.
| Support Type | Quantum of Benefit |
|---|---|
| Tea Seedlings | Sold at ₹1 per seedling |
| Land Development | One-time support of ₹10,000 per hectare |
| Tools & Inputs | 50% subsidy on bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides and equipment like brush cutters and harvesters |
| Training | 100% support for village-level training programs |
For example, a farmer who wants to expand a tea garden can attend professional training at no cost and buy harvesting machines at half the market price through a Tea Development Centre in Umsning, Rongram or Riangdo. Farmers who also need help with storing their produce can read about Meghalaya Agriculture Warehouse Scheme on this website.
Eligibility
Eligibility rules are simple. Mostly they depend on residence, land holding and farming work.
- Applicant must be a resident of Meghalaya and a bonafide farmer who is actually involved in agriculture work.
- Applicant should own or lease land, and total land should not exceed 2 hectares per family.
Department approves applications on a first come first serve basis, so it is better to apply early and secure the support.
Application Process
Application for Tea Development Scheme is made offline. There is no online form for this scheme. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Write your application on a plain paper and clearly state why you need the support.
STEP 2 - Collect copies of all required documents, including land records and identity proof.
STEP 3 - Visit the nearest Horticulture Development Officer at your local CD Block or Horticulture Circle.
STEP 4 - Submit the signed application with attached documents, and the officer will verify and process it.
Selection follows a clear first come first serve model for eligible farmers.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before you visit the office:
- Recent passport-size photograph for the application file.
- Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar card, voter card or any government ID.
- Bank passbook or account details for recording transactions.
- Proof of land ownership or a valid lease document.
- Any extra documents asked by the local office during verification.
References
For the latest scheme updates and contact details, check the official state portal: Agriculture Department, Government of Meghalaya.
FAQ's
What is the main aim of Tea Development Scheme?
The main aim is to test experimental tea plantations, raise good quality seedlings for distribution, encourage organic farm management and train tea growers in Meghalaya.
Which department runs this scheme?
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya is the main department that runs this scheme.
What support does a farmer get under this scheme?
A farmer gets ₹10,000 per hectare for land development, seedlings at ₹1 each, 50% subsidy on inputs like bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides and harvesting equipment, and free village-level training.
Who can apply for this scheme?
Any bonafide farmer from Meghalaya who is engaged in agriculture and holds up to 2 hectares of land per family can apply.
How are beneficiaries selected?
Beneficiaries are selected on a first come first serve basis as per the order of applications received.
Where can farmers get more information?
Farmers can contact the District Horticulture Officer or the Horticulture Development Officer at the nearest CD Block office.