Tea Development and Promotion Scheme: Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers: Mechanization for Individual Small Growers

This scheme supports individual small tea growers by providing financial support for essential agricultural machinery. Tea Development and Promotion Scheme (TDPS): Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers (PDSTG): Mechanization for Individual Small Growers helps farmers increase production, improve quality, and adopt better technology, ultimately making them self-reliant through modern cultivation practices.

Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.

Tea Development and Promotion Scheme: Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers: Mechanization for Individual Small Growers - Introduction

This scheme serves to improve the overall production, productivity, and quality of tea in India. by focusing on the growth of small tea growers, Tea Development and Promotion Scheme (TDPS): Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers (PDSTG): Mechanization for Individual Small Growers helps you move up in the value chain. It encourages sustainable practices such as organic tea cultivation and climate-resilient farming, helping you become truly self-reliant.

The government of India approved the Tea Board's "Tea Development & Promotion Scheme" for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-26). It contains seven major components designed to protect, support, and grow the Indian tea industry. The goal is to keep Indian tea competitive globally, add value for better prices, and foster innovation within the entire supply chain as envisioned in the Tea Act, 1953.

Specifically, the Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers (PDSTG) component provides targeted support for mechanization. by using the right equipment, you can lower labor costs and improve your output, ensuring that small-scale cultivation remains a profitable and sustainable effort.

Key Information

Benefits

You can receive financial support for various types of machinery to modernize your farm. Below are the ceiling limits for the support provided:

All financial subsidies are transferred directly to your bank account via RTGS, NEFT, or PFMS.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply if you are a small tea grower. This includes individual farmers as well as those operating through self-help groups (SHGs) and Farmers' Producer Organizations (FPOs).

Exclusions

Please note that if you sell or transfer your tea garden before the full payment of your approved subsidy, you are no longer entitled to receive any further pending payments. The aid follows the garden's registration, not just the individual holder, in such cases.

Application Process

You should follow these steps to apply for the scheme:

Online Application

1. Visit the Service Plus portal of the Tea Board.
2. Register by clicking the "Sign Up" button and providing your basic details like name, contact info, and email.
3. Verify your account using the OTP sent to your registered mobile or email.
4. Log in to your dashboard, select the application form for this component, and upload your documents.
5. Review your details carefully and submit the form to receive an acknowledgment reference ID.

Application Fee: You should pay a non-refundable fee of ₹ 100 plus GST. However, if you are from an SC/ST community, a female applicant, or a differently-abled person, you are exempted from this fee.

Offline Application

If the online portal is temporarily unavailable, you should submit your application physically at your nearest Tea Board field office (ZO/ROs/SROs/HQ). The same fee rules apply as mentioned above.

Documents

Make sure you have the following documents ready for your application:

• Tea Board Registration: Your valid QR-based identity smart card or unique identification number.
• Survey Map: An A-4 size map of your tea area, certified by a government-approved surveyor or the Land Revenue Department.
• PPC Compliance: A self-declaration regarding Plant Protection Code (PPC) compliance.
• Identity Proof: Aadhar card for individuals or PAN/GST registration for groups.
• Bank Details: A copy of a cancelled cheque linked to your Aadhar and mobile number, showing your IFSC code.
• Group Documents: If you are applying as an SHG or FPO, provide the recent resolution and list of office bearers.

If you lack a Tea Board identity card, you should obtain one by proving land ownership or providing a possession certificate from your state government.

References

For detailed operational guidelines, please refer to the official Tea Board Guidelines.

FAQ's

How many applications can I submit?

You can submit one application per component, but you may choose to include more than one activity within that single application if you are eligible for multiple items.

Are there application fees involved?

Yes, a fee of ₹ 100 plus GST is required for all general applicants. If you are a woman, belong to SC/ST categories, or are differently-abled, you do not have to pay this fee.

How do I receive the subsidy?

The Tea Board sends all subsidies electronically to your bank account using RTGS, NEFT, or PFMS methods.

What if I sell my tea garden?

If you transfer ownership of your tea garden while your subsidy is being processed, you relinquish your right to any remaining unpaid subsidy amount.

What is the survey map requirement?

You must provide an A-4 size map of your tea area, which must be clearly drawn and signed by a government-approved surveyor or your local Land Revenue department to verify your active cultivation area.

What does 'PPC compliance' mean?

This is your self-declaration confirming that you follow safe agricultural practices, specifically avoiding the use of prohibited chemicals, ensuring your tea meets food safety standards.