Modalities and Scheme Guidelines

of
चाय विकास एिं संिर्धन योजना
Tea Development and Promotion
Scheme
2021-2026

टी बोर्ध TEA BOARD

14 B.T.M Sarani, Kolkata
www.teaboard.gov.in

1. INTRODUCTION

The Government of India has conveyed its approval for the Tea Board’s Scheme “Tea
Development & Promotion Scheme” for implementation during the 15 th Finance
Commission2021-26 vide letter No. F.NO.K-57013(11)/1/20212-Plant (A) dated 16th July,
2021.

The date of commencement of the scheme is on _____________. The duration of the

scheme will be from ____________ to 31.03.2026 till such time the target or the fund is
achieved/available whichever is earlier. The Board will reserve the right to declare any
cut-off date for receipt of applications.

The scheme has the following seven major components covering the broad areas of Tea
Board’s operation for overall protection, growth & sustenance of the Indian Tea Industry:
 • Component 1: Plantation Development for small tea growers
• Component 2: Sector Specific Action Plan for NITI Forum for North East
• Component 3: Market Promotion
• Component 4: Welfare of Workers (wards of the small tea growers)
• Component 5: Research and Development
• Component 6: Regulatory Functions & Auction Reforms
• Component 7: Establishment expenses.

The objective of the scheme is to improve the production, productivity, quality of the
Indian teas in order to remain competitive in global markets, focus on the development of
the small tea growers, their collectivization for moving up in value chain, value addition in
teas for better price realization and share in export markets, explore the potential of tea
grown in North Eastern States, focus in improving the per capita consumption of tea,
improving tea exports from India to high value markets, encouraging research and
development and other technological innovation to bring transparency in the entire supply
chain as envisaged in the Tea Act, 1953.

Certain activities for big growers and small tea growers which were approved under the
earlier schemes have been discontinued and not included as eligible activities under the
instant scheme. However, for these activities, while no fresh applications will be
entertained, financial assistance would be considered under the instant scheme subject to
completion of such activities in conformity with the erstwhile scheme guidelines. The rate
of financial assistance will be considered for eligible cases as per the erstwhile scheme
guidelines. These erstwhile sub components are as follows:

1. Plantation Development (Big Tea Growers)

2. Plantation Development (Small Tea Growers)
3. Quality Up gradation & Product Diversification including Incentive for
Orthodox Tea Production
4. Market Promotion
5. Human Resource Development
6. National Program for Tea Regulation

The Tea Board of India has finalized the modalities for implementation of subsidy/
financial incentives/ grant in aid under various components, clearly describing the
eligibility norms, unit costs, and extent of support for various categories of stakeholders.
The subsidy/ financial incentives under the various components will be disbursed by
various departments of the Board depending on the types of activities/ beneficiaries. The
details of the scheme procedure, application form, documentation, eligibility etc., will be
available in the online portal. The implementation and monitoring of the subsidies will be
carried out as under:

2. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF THE SCHEME

The implementation and monitoring of the scheme will be done by the Deputy Chairman,
Tea Board, through its Zonal and Regional offices located throughout India

All the services for implementation of the various components of the scheme will be
provided through development of online e-governance mechanism and all payments will be
through electronic mode i.e., RTGS/NEFT/PFMS.

The modalities containing the details such as eligibility criteria, unit cost, scale of
subsidy/grant in aid, release of subsidy/ grant in aid, list of documents, procedure for
claiming subsidy/grant-in-aid, processing of application and claims for the components/sub-
components involving subsidy support/grant-in-aid are defined in this document. The
application forms and other relevant formats for all the schemes will be available only
through online mode in the dedicated portal. Physical submission of application will not be
entertained and shall be rejected/cancelled. However, the Competent Authority at his
discretion may accept the physical submission of application till such time the online
platform is not ready for the use of stakeholders.

3. ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS – GENERAL (for components 1 and 2 and 4)

1. Applicant small tea growers including members of self-help groups and farmers
Producer Organizations having Tea Board registration or identity smart card (QR
based) issued by Tea Board/ have unique identification number generated will
be accepted for the purpose of the scheme. For growers already in possession
of the identification card, any additional area shall be updated in the growers’
enumeration database. Applicant (small tea growers) who does not have the
Identity Card issued by the Tea Board can obtain the same on production of
documents to establish the ownership of land and where title deeds are not
available, possession certificate issued by the concerned State Government from
the nearest field office. Once the identity card is obtained, he/she can apply for
the scheme component as per his/her eligibility.
2. Survey map (A-4 size) of the tea area in case of individual small tea growers
drawn by Government approved surveyor/Land Revenue department duly
certified and signed by both the issuing authority as well as the applicant,
wherever applicable
3. Self-Declaration under PPC compliance
4. Aadhar Card in case of individual/ PAN/TAN/GST registration in case of others,
as applicable
5. Details of Bank Account (linked with mobile number and Aadhar) for claiming
the financial assistance with IFSC code (one cancelled cheque is to be
uploaded)
6. Copy of recent resolution in case of SHGs/FPOs/FPCs along with the details of
office bearer and members with tea area in command
7. Only one application under each component will be considered, however,
applicant may apply for more than one activity in single application as per
eligibility
8. The application will be submitted online only and physical receipt of application
in any field offices (ZO/ROs/SROs/HQ) will not be entertained until and unless
permitted by the Competent Authority till such time the online platform is not
ready.
9. Incomplete application, application devoid of requisite document, application
fees etc., will be rejected by the system (online portal) or the Officer of Tea
Board who receives the application is authorized to reject it in case on
incomplete document / non conformities till such time the online portal is not
ready for the use of stakeholder. After successful submission of application an
“Acknowledgement” will be generated by the system. Generation of
acknowledgement does not entitle the applicant for receiving the financial
assistance. Acknowledgement will not guarantee the applicant for the
sanction or the receipt of financial assistance at this stage. The
commencement and completion of the activity is to be undertaken by
the applicant at their own cost without any commitment from the
part of Tea Board till such time the “sanction” is accorded subject to
availability of fund. Assistance will be considered based on the post activity
report and documents followed by verification by the concerned field office and
satisfactory report.
10. The activity proposed shall be commenced & completed within 06 months
(except under certain component wherever mentioned) from the date
of submission of application. Activities not completed within the stipulated time
period will get automatically rejected by the online system. However, such
applications can be revived based on budget available and based on discretion
of the Sanctioning Authority
11. The applicant shall submit a completion report together with supportive
documents immediately after completion of activity. Post activity
Inspection/verification by Tea Board will be carried out immediately (within 15
days) after receipt of completion report from the applicant.
12. The entire processing of application right from receipt of application till
disbursement of subsidy shall be completed within the scheme period (2021-
26) and in no case will be carried forward/spilled over beyond 31.03.2026
13. All the necessary statutory compliances/laws/bylaws if applicable under the
respective State Government or the Central Government have to be obtained
by the applicant before submission of application. Conditional application form
will not be accepted and summarily rejected.
14. All the applications shall be accompanied with a non-refundable application fee
of Rs. 100/- (Rupees one hundred only) + GST (Exempted for SC,
ST, female and differently abled person).No application will be accepted
without payment of application fees except for exempted stakeholders
15. In the event of change in the ownership of the tea garden before completion of
disbursement of sanctioned subsidy amount, the transferor / seller of the tea
garden shall cease to receive any further subsidy remaining to be paid by the
Tea Board after the transfer / sale is affected.
16. The applicants shall submit a Letter of Undertaking on Non-Judicial Stamp paper
of minimum value of Rs. 20.00 along with Board Resolution/Office bearer at the
time of submission of post activity documents. The format will be available in the
online portal.
17. The subsidy payable by Tea Board for any of the above-mentioned activities will
be adjusted against any defaulted amount that has become due and / or remain
unsettled by the applicant tea company under any of the components / sub
components of the Boards’ scheme or any other account to the Tea Board
including outstanding and defaulted loan amount at the time of release of
subsidy. After adjustment of all dues of the Tea Board, the balance amount of
subsidy, if any, shall be paid to the applicant
18. Expenses on account of stamp duty, registration fees or any other expenses in
connection with execution of contracts, preparation of maps or other documents
for the purpose of the scheme should entirely be borne by the applicants. Such
expenses shall not be adjusted with the subsidy to be paid by the Board
19. In the event of any violation of the Tea Act 1953, or any fraudulent activity on
part of the applicant, or any non-conformity to scheme guidelines, financial
assistance/ subsidy will be re-covered subsequently with @ repo rate +
5%interest per annum

4. Process Flow of Processing of application: The procedure, eligibility criteria for

each components, documentation, approval, sanction and disbursement etc., will
be finalized by the Competent Authority of the Board ( Deputy Chairman) and will
available in the online portal.

5. Component- 1: Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers

5.1. OBJECTIVES

The objective of this component is to increase production, productivity and quality of tea,
overall development of small tea growers to help them to move up in the value chain,
sustainability of production by promoting organic tea cultivation& climate resilient tea and to
make them self-reliant by setting up their own processing units.

5.2. ACTIVITIES / SUB COMPONENTS

The following are the activities / sub-components that would be eligible under the scheme:
For Small Growers (tea area owning up to 10.12 ha):

1. Mechanization for individual small growers

2. Assistance to Self Help Groups
3. Assistance to Farmer Producer Organizations
4. Annual Award
5. Assistance for setting up of tea Factory by FPOs
6. Assistance for setting up Mini Tea Factory
7. Traceability and publication of news letters
8. Workshop and training
9. Strengthening of field offices
10. Soil testing
11. Organic certification
12. Organic conversion
13. Organic farm inputs
14. Up gradation of skill of officials
15. Contribution to NAFCC funded Climate Adaptation Project

6. ACTIVITY SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

6.1. MECHANIZATION FOR INDIVIDUAL SMALL GROWERS

6.1.1 Equipment and scale of assistance

The following are the equipment for which subsidy @ 25 % of actual cost would be
considered subject to the ceiling limits:
Sl. No. Equipment Ceiling limit (Rs) Other eligibility

1 Pruning machine 30,000.00 One (1) Machine for each / upto

5.00 ha of tea area
2 Mechanical harvester For each / up to 10.00 ha of tea
Single man harvester 25,000.00 area
Double man harvester 40,000.00
3 Power Sprayer 15,000.00 For each / up to 5.00 ha of tea
area
4 Brush cutter 28,000.00 For each / up to 10.00 ha of tea
area
5 Plucking shear 550.00 For each/ up to 0.40 Ha of tea
area

6.2. ASSISTANCE TO SELF HELP GROUPS

6.2.1. Eligible items and scale of assistance
The Self Help Groups shall be informal bodies consisting of minimum 15 numbers without
any restriction on minimum combined command area. The minimum numbers are for
enabling formation of SHG where there are limitations in terms of contiguity of small
growers’ plantations.
The following are the equipment for which actual cost would be considered subject to the
ceiling limits:

Sl No. Item Scale of assistance (Rs) Other eligibility

1 Weighing scale 100 % of cost subject to ceiling 2 numbers per SHG
limit of Rs. 4000 per scale
2 Plastic crate Ceiling limit Rs. 400 per crate 1 Crate for each 20 Kgs of green
leaf
3 Nylon bag Ceiling limit Rs. 100 per nylon bag 1 bag for each 15 Kgs of green leaf

4 Pruning machine Ceiling limit Rs. 30,000 per pruning 1 Pruning machine for 10 ha of tea
machine area
5 Mechanical Ceiling limit Rs. 40,000 per Double Man Harvesting Machine for
harvester harvester (double man operating) each 10 ha of tea area and single
& Rs.25000/- for single man handled harvesting machine for
operating each 5.00 ha of tea area
6 Power sprayer Ceiling limit Rs. 15,000 per power 1 for each 5.00 ha of tea command
sprayer area
7 Brush cutter Ceiling limit Rs. 28000 One (1) for each 10.00 ha of area
8 Plucking shear Ceiling limit Rs. 550 per plucking One (1) for each 0.40 ha of tea
shear area

6.3. ASSISTANCE TO FARMER PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS (FPOs) / FARMER

PRODUCER COMPANIES (FPCs)

Collectivizing the small tea growers, especially small and marginal farmers, into producer
organizations and producer companies has emerged as one of the most effective pathways
to address the many challenges faced by the small growers’ sector and most importantly,
improved access to investments, technology, inputs and markets. It is thus imperative for
Tea Board to build a prosperous and sustainable small tea sector by promoting and
supporting member-owned Producer Organizations and companiesthat enable small tea
growers to move to a higher plane through efficient, cost-effective and sustainable resource
use and realize higher returns for their produce. The primary objective of federating the
SHGs and moving them higher up the value chain through FPO formation is to enhance
production, productivity, profitability of the small growers (in the participating SHGs) and
quality of tea produced in various tea growing regions across the country. The Farmers
Producers’ Organisation can be registered as a society/ cooperative society/ producer
company or any other legal entity which provides for sharing of profits / benefits amongst
the grower members. The SHG being an informal body, it shall have a compulsory
stipulation of registering as a Farmers Producers organization under a legal provision on the
inclusion of more than 20 members.

The typical services that a FPO needs to provide include the various aspects of cultivation
(field inputs, cultivation techniques and processing knowhow in factory) along with helping
them in getting market access. In addition, the FPO should allow the member SHGs (or the
member small growers) to use the common infrastructure for transportation, weighing,
processing, packaging, value addition, storage and any other logistics facilities which are
essential in the tea value chain. Apart from that the FPO should also act as agents for
knowledge dissemination about various aspects of tea cultivation, processing and
marketing.

FPOs / FPCs may be federated in any of the following structures:

• Two or more SHGs with a total of more than 20 members coming together to form
an FPO
• A single SHG with more than 20 members
• A single SHG with more than 20 members and additional individual small tea growers
having Tea Board identification card / UIN
• Multiple SHGs with additional individual small tea growers having Tea Board
identification card / UIN
• However, depending on the need and ground reality, the minimum number will be
arrived at as per the discretion of Boards field Officer. There shall be no bar on the
maximum number of members

6.3.1 Eligible items and scale of assistance

Sl Item Scale of assistance Other eligibility/ceiling

No.
1 Revolving Corpus Rs. 20,000 per Ha. Ceiling One-time Revolving Corpus Fund is for
limit Rs. 5,00,000 per SHG/ purchase of inputs including fertilizers,
FPO / FPC PPFs, sticky traps and light traps. Any
expenditure to be charged to revolving
corpus shall be incurred only with the
prior recommendation of the
Development Officer attached to the
FPO for which the proposal must have
the endorsement of the Management
Committee. The Management
Committee will ensure suitable
reimbursement from the members to
the Revolving Corpus Fund against the
amount spent by the FPO for purchase
of inputs, for topping up and
 maintenance of the corpus fund
2 Storage godown Ceiling limit Rs. 1,00,000 per 1 unit for each FPO
and office FPO
3 Leaf collection shed 100 % of cost subject to 1 for every 1000 to 1500 Kgs of Green leaf
ceiling limit of Rs. 75,000 per handling (average of peak season)
shed
4 Weighing scale 100 % of cost subject to 2 unit for each FPO
ceiling limit of Rs. 4000 per
scale
5 Plastic crate Ceiling limit Rs. 400 per crate 1 Crate for each 20 Kgs of green leaf
handled per day
6 Nylon bag Ceiling limit Rs. 100 per nylon 1 bag for each 15 Kgs of green leaf handled
bag per day
7 Pruning machine Ceiling limit Rs. 30,000 per 1 machine for 10 ha of tea command area
pruning machine
8 Mechanical Ceiling limit Rs. 40,000 per Double Man Harvesting Machine for each
harvester harvester (double man 10 ha of tea area and single handled
operating) & Rs.25000/- for harvesting machine for each 5.00 ha of tea
single man operating area
9 Power sprayer Ceiling limit Rs. 15,000 per 1 for each 5.00 ha of tea command area
power sprayer
10 Leaf carriage vehicle 50% for leaf carriage vehicle 1 leaf carriage vehicle for every 1500 Kgs of
– with ceiling of Rs. 7,50,000 green leaf handled per day (average of
tractors/trailers/LCV lakhs per vehicle peak months). The 2nd vehicle (if already
The assistance will be 75 % granted in previous MTF period) will be
in case of non-traditional area granted only if the vehicle has completed
of North East, Idukki in minimum 7 years and is condemned by the
Kerala, Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu concerned department.
and Kangra in Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand
11 Computer & Printer Ceiling limit Rs. 50,000 per 1 set (computer & printer with peripherals)
computer and printer for each FPO
12 Soil testing kit Rs. 90,000 per kit 1 Kit for each FPO with condition that FPO
will hire or engage or trained any one
member, a technical person for its handling
14 Plucking shear Ceiling limit Rs. 550 per One (1) for each 0.40 ha of tea area
plucking shear
15 Brush cutter Ceiling limit Rs. 28,000 per One (1) for each 3.00 ha of tea command
brush cutter area
The assistance will be
Rs.30,000/- per unit in case
of non-traditional area of
North East, Idukki in Kerala,
Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu and
Kangra in Himachal Pradesh
and Uttarakhand

16 Cost of Registration Ceiling limit of Rs. 25,000 per For registration / incorporation of the FPO /
group FPC

6.4. ANNUAL AWARDS

To encourage and recognize the best performing SHGs and FPOs, region wise annual
awards in North East, North West including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, West
Bengal and Bihar and South India will be considered.
For Self Help Groups and FPOs, annual award will be given to the first, second and third in
each region @ Rs. Rs. 1, 00,000, Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000, respectively, yearly.

Tea Board will carry out the assessment of the SHGs and FPOs and upload in to the portal
for sanction of the award.
6.5. ASSISTANCE FOR SETTING UP FACTORY BY FPO / FPC (Big Factory)
6.5.1. Scale of Assistance

Sl No. Item Scale of assistance

1 Assistance for setting up of tea factory 40% of cost with ceiling limit of Rs. 2.00 crs
by FPO /factory

6.6. ASSISTANCE FOR SETTING UP MINI FACTORY

6.6.1. Scale of assistance
1 Assistance for setting up of 40% of cost with ceiling limit of Rs. 0.33crs /factory
mini tea factory by
Individual/Association of 50% in case of Non-traditional areas North East, Idukki
Small Tea Growers or (Kerala), Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu and Kangra in Himachal
farmers producer company Pradesh and Uttarakhand with ceiling limit of Rs.0.33
Crores

6.7. TRACEABILITY AND PUBLICATION OF MARKET INTELLIGENCE

a) Technology based services would be put in place to address the issue of
traceability in the supply chain and would include mobile based advisory services.
The development of the applications would be outsourced to expert agency. The
stakeholders would be integrated in the system after the system is put in place.
b) The existing Chai Sahyog Mobile app would be scaled up based on stakeholders
needs and feedback
c) The Board may consider to meet out the user charges for the Chai Sahyog App
for full scale Pan India implementation
d) Besides, newsletters would also be published for dissemination of best field
practices to small growers
e) Expenditure will be made at actual and as per financial norms
f) The user section first obtains the In Principal approval (IPA) of the competent
authority by observing financial norms (GeM/other mode of selection) for selection
of the outsource agency and once the same is selected and approved, application
will be uploaded in the portal.
6.8. WORKSHOP AND TRAINING
 a) Small growers have significant skill-gaps and very large training needs which
can’t be catered to through a few centralized institutions. There is a need for
undertaking more field oriented training programs for the small growers, while
making available a team of qualified/trained advisors to address their needs on a
continuous basis.
b) In addition to technical trainings, small growers and SHGs will be provided
extensive training on group formation, basic accounting and book keeping, office
management, office automation, leadership skills, demonstration pruning, tea
tasting, tea branding and packaging etc. Such trainings will be imparted through tie-
ups with training through reputed institutes and resource persons
c) Trainings will be on campus and off campus / field training. On campus training
will be carried out at TRA / UPASI-TRF / Agricultural Universities having Tea
Science course/ IIPM facilities / Indian Institute of Packaging and other
Government recognized training Institutes
d) Field trainings and workshops will be conducted by Boards Officers and the
services of resource persons including Officers from TRA/UPASI-TRF, Tea Garden
Managers, Planters etc. will be availed
e) Trainers’ Training Programmes for skill and knowledge up gradation of field
trainers would also be conducted by bringing in industry experts and reputed
institutes
6.8.1. Scale of assistance

Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/ceiling

Assistance
(Rs.)
1 Workshop & 20000.00 Includes the logistic as well as honorarium to the
Training resource person

Minimum number of beneficiaries shall not be less

than 20 in each such program.

Assistance may be increased on pro-rata basis if the

number of beneficiaries is high

Beneficiary will be small tea growers/members of

SHGs/FPOs

The bills and voucher in original or the certified

voucher (in case of remote areas) as submitted and
certified by the Development Officer will be taken as
cost/expenditure for payment

Attendance sheet with the name of beneficiary

 together with their mobile number is to be obtained
for each such program

6.9. SOIL TESTING

Soil testing plays an important role in the use of fertilizer and other agricultural inputs. The
improvement of soil quality is critical to sustaining tea productivity and maintaining the soil
health. Soil quality is the capacity to function effectively at present and in future use. Soil
quality cannot be measured directly; it must be inferred from a wide range of soil quality
properties (physical, chemical and biological) that influence the capacity of soil to perform
effectively. Physico-chemical properties of soil samples are measured following the
laboratory procedures.
6.9.1. Scale of assistance
Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/ceiling
Assistance
(Rs.)
1 Soil Testing Rs. 261/- or Maximum two samples from each field (continuous
through the actual area of 1.00 ha) comprising of top soil and sub soil
approved per soil as per the random method prescribed by
laboratory sample (not TRA/UPASI or other Tea Research Institute may be
exceeding considered
Rs. 261) +
GST SHGs/FPOs may also collect sample with the
details and send to Tea Board approved soil testing
laboratory through Board’s nearest field office

The soil analysis will be done for its physical

texture and minimum chemical parameters viz.,
Ph, Organic Carbon content, N, P and K within the
scale of assistance, however, for any additional
parameter the applicant will have to bear the cost
on and above the Board’s assistance. Cost of
dispatch of samples will be met out of scheme
funds, wherever necessary

List of Tea Board approved laboratory is available

in portal/website. In addition, the small growers
would be able to get soil samples tested at any
Government approved / Government laboratory

6.11. ORGANIC CERTIFICATION: Financial assistance will be given for the certification
cost only including fresh certificate and for renewals of certificate
6.11.1. Scale of assistance:

Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/ceiling

Assistance
 (Rs.)
1 Organic 50% of the Maximum ceiling limit Rs.2.00 Lakhs per
Certification cost of certification
certification
or the Financial assistance will be given for the
renewals of certification cost only including fresh certificate
certificate and for renewals of certificate. Certificate has to
be obtained from only such accredited certification
agencies that are empanelled with Tea
Board/APEDA under National Program for Organic
Production (NPOP)

The cost is inclusive of the cost of certification

only.

6.12. ORGANIC CONVERSION : Financial assistance will be extended for conversion of

existing conventional tea plantations to organic tea plantations to a maximum extent of 5 ha
6.12.1. Scale of Assistance:
Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/ceiling
Assistance (Rs.)
1 Organic Post 1st year Financial assistance will be extended for
Conversion conversion: Rs. conversion of existing conventional tea
50,000 per ha plantations to organic tea plantations to a
maximum extent of 5 ha.
Post 2nd year
conversion: Rs. Only accredited certification agencies that
50,000 per ha are empaneled with Tea Board/APEDA under
Post 3rd year National Program for Organic Production
conversion: Rs. (NPOP) will be considered
1,00,000 per ha
The 1ts, 2nd and 3rd year conversion
assistance will be paid either in continuity or
independently

6.13. ORGANIC FARM INPUTS: The assistance would be restricted up to 4 ha per

beneficiary small growers and upto 4 ha per member of SHG/FPO/FPC on Pro-rata basis and
to only those who are either under Organic Conversion or had obtained the Organic
Certification
6.13.1. Scale of Assistance
Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/ceiling
Assistance (Rs.)
1 Organic Farm Rs. 20,000 ceiling The assistance would be restricted up to 4 ha
Inputs limit per unit per beneficiary small growers and upto 4 ha
 subject to actual per member of SHG/FPO/FPC on Pro-rata
cost basis and to only those who are either under
Organic Conversion or had obtained the
Organic Certification

Unit here is the construction of Organic

Liquid tank, Bio-fertilizer pit, vermin compost
unit, botanical extract unit etc., as per the
specification/standard available with
TRA/UPASI/or any other recognized Institute

Assistance would be provided for on farm

input production infrastructure for organic
cultivation such as liquid manure tanks,
compost pits, botanical extracts etc.,

Preference shall be given to SHG/FPO/FPC

over individual small tea growers but it shall
not be common or extended if the same is
availed or proposed under proposed NAFCC
(Climate Resilient tea proposal)

6.14. CONTRIBUTION TO NAFCC FUNDED CLIMATE ADAPTATION PROJECT

The contribution to NAFCC funded Climate Adaptation Project, proposals for which / DPR
have been submitted by the Board. The total project cost is Rs. 147 Crs., for a duration of 4
years (2021-25). Tea Board’s contribution in the project is arrived at 12 Crs. for various
components as an Executing Entity. This sub-component is applicable only after approval
cum sanction of the project submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF)
followed by DoC.

The share of the Board as the Executing will be met of the instant scheme. Separate
guidelines would be submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests through NABARD

7. LIABILITIES UNDER THE ERSTWHILE SCHEMES (12th Plan Period +

MTF)

Certain activities for big growers and small growers which were approved under the earlier
schemes have been discontinued and not included as eligible activities under the instant
scheme. However, for these activities, while no fresh applications will be entertained,
financial assistance would be considered under the instant scheme only for those cases for
which a formal sanction order has been issued, and either one or no installment has been
released, with priority given to those cases for which one installment has been released
subject to completion of such activities in conformity with the erstwhile scheme guidelines.
These erstwhile sub components which have been discontinued are as follows:

1. Plantation Development (Big Tea Growers)

1.1.1 Replanting and Replacement planting
1.1.2 Rejuvenation pruning and consolidation
1.1.3 Irrigation
1.1.4 Mechanization
2. Plantation Development (Small Tea Growers)
2.1. Replanting
2.2. Rejuvenation pruning

For activities that have been continued the liability would be met out of the instant scheme.
The Eligibility Criteria, terms and condition and the rate of subsidy will remain same as
envisaged in the erstwhile 12th Plan period (2007-12) and Tea Development and Promotion
Scheme (2017-20) subject the application was found complete in all aspects.
• The cases will be dealt as “First Come First Serve” basis only. The date of completion
of activity under any component will be considered for deciding the chronology
• In case the date of completion of activity coincides, the Accounting Year of the
application will be considered for calculating the seniority of the case. (Previous
accounting year application will get weightage over the later)
• In case the Accounting Year also coincides then the date of submission of application
completed in all aspect will be considered for calculating the seniority of the case.
• In case the date also coincides, the decision of the sanctioning authority will be
considered as final for calculating the seniority and merit of the case.
• The rate of subsidy will be based on the date of commencement of the activity and
not based on the date of completion of the activity
• The subsidy will be paid in SINGLE INTALMENT ONLY, instead of 2
installments in case of Replantation/Replacement or Rejuvenation activity in
modification of the erstwhile scheme guidelines subject that all the others
terms and condition have been fulfilled in respect of completion of activity and
maintenance of area to the satisfaction of the Board. This has been done to clear the
past liabilities in the 1st year of implementation of the Scheme.
• The cases where the 1st Installment has already been paid and payment of 2nd
installment is due will be given priority over any case for which 1st installment is yet
to be paid subject it will fulfill other terms and condition of the scheme guidelines.
 For payment of 2nd installment, the time gap of 24 months from the date of
completion of replanting / replacement /rejuvenation is modified to a single
installment depending upon the satisfactory first inspection report. However, cases
where 2nd installment is due would get priority over cases for which payment is to be
made in a single installment.
• In case of Incentive for Orthodox Production cases, the application that has been
submitted through online portal only will be considered
• All such cases irrespective of the year of application but are alive as on date due to
nature of the activity under scheme guidelines shall be cancelled if the activity has
not completed as on 31.03.2021.
• The payment under pending liability shall be strictly restricted to the availability of
the fund sanctioned by the Ministry and instruction issued by the HQ, Kolkata.
• The list of all such pending cases including the details and the progress of
activity in requisite format shall be shared to HQ, Development Directorate

8. COMPONENT 2: SECTOR SPECIFIC ACTION PLAN FOR NITI FORUM

FOR NORTH EAST

A. OBJECTIVES

The objective of the component is to collectivize the small tea growers of North Eastern
Region, formation of SHGs, FPOs and FPCs, handholding them, providing training towards
good manufacturing process, documentation in obtaining various certification etc., In order
to promote the organic tea cultivation, financial & technical support shall be provided that
will include the organic tea conversion to obtaining certification including organic farm
inputs. Sample collection and its analysis towards meeting the national and international
quality parameters shall be checked randomly. In order to exploit the geographical
importance of Assam & other North Eastern region, separate brand building and its
promotion are provisioned in the scheme. Incentive to the exporters will be provided for
those exporting the teas from ICD Amingaon to boost the export potential from North East
region.

B. ACTIVITIES / SUB COMPONENTS

Primarily the sub components would be extended to small tea growers unless specifically
mentioned. The following are the activities / sub – components that would be eligible under
the scheme:
 1. Cluster Development by Tea Board and Formation of FPC / Cooperative:
Registration and contribution to corpus for organic tea
2. Training, handholding, GAP / GMP management, documentation, for organic tea
3. Ensuring quality check and drawing & testing of tea samples (both big and small
growers)
4. Value addition by organic tea factories (both big and small growers)
5. Setting up Organic factories (big) (both big tea estates and SHG, FPO)
6. Setting up Organic factories (mini)
7. Organic Certification
8. Organic Conversion
9. Organic farm inputs
10. Incentive for Exporters (big and small growers)
11. Brand building of tea produced in NER

C. ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS – GENERAL (FOR ALL THE SUB COMPONENTS)

i. The eligibility conditions as mentioned under item 3 of Component -1 would be

applicable
ii. For big growers there should not be any default in payment of provident fund
dues (the dues shall not exceed Rs. 10,000/- at the time of application,
however, relaxation made by the honorable court order / Provident Fund
Authority for payment of due in installment shall be considered). Dues without
the honorable Court order/ Provident Fund Authority, the application will be
cancelled. If the applicant becomes defaulter at the time of sanction of the
case, the sanction will not be accorded. The sanction will be cancelled if the
dues are not cleared within one month from the date when the case is mature
for sanction.
iii. The big growers/tea estate / factory should be registered with Tea Board
iv. Big growers should have paid current membership subscription to the TRA and
made subscription to the NTRF (gardens without factory and gardens less than
50 ha are exempted)
v. The application fee for the big tea growers will be Rs. 5000 + GST.
(Exempted for SC, ST, female and differently abled person)

Activities:
 9.0. CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT BY TEA BOARD AND FORMATION OF FPO
/FPC/ COOPERATIVE): REGISTRATION AND CONTRIBUTION TO CORPUS
FOR ORGANIC TEA – For small tea growers
9.0.1. Scale of assistance

Sl No. Item Scale of assistance (Rs) Other eligibility and conditions

1 Registration and Rs 1.00 Lakhs for Cluster of small tea growers shall be
contribution to Registration subject to made who are willing to go for
Corpus fund actual cost and organic cultivation

Rs 10.00 Lakhs for The amount will be parked in the

Contribution towards bank account of the FPO/FPC/Co-
Corpus fund operatives of which the Boards
Officer will also be a signatory for
withdrawing any amount

The corpus of Rs. 10 lakhs will be a

grant towards a corpus by the Board
and this grant will on be given after
the FPO/FPC is set up successfully

Individual small tea growers who

are cultivating organic tea shall be
assisted to form FPO / FPC

9.2. TRAINING, HANDHOLDING, GAP MANAGEMENT, DOCUMENTATION, FOR

ORGANIC TEA
9.2.1. Scale of assistance

Sl Item Scale of assistance (Rs) Other eligibility and conditions

No.
1 Training, handholding, Assistance will be @ Rs In case of larger groups
GAP management, 0.25 lakhs per training assistance would be in multiples
documentation, for /Programme of unit cost including honorarium
organic tea and transport of resource person.

9.3. ENSURING QUALITY CHECK AND DRAWING & TESTING OF TEA SAMPLES:
For all tea manufacturing units (big or mini)

In order to ensure that the tea produced in the North East meets all the quality parameters
as laid down under FSSAI and other exporting countries/standards including PPC
compliance, the samples from each manufacturing units shall be drawn and sent to NABL
accredited laboratory for its analysis on various quality parameters
 9.3.1. Scale of assistance

Sl Item Scale of assistance (Rs) Other eligibility and conditions

No.
1 Ensuring Quality Check Ceiling @Rs 20,000/- per The sample would be drawn by
and Drawing & Testing sample including the cost the Board’s officer from any tea
of Tea Samples of drawing the sample manufacturing unit
(container, sealing
instrument etc.,) and The sample will be sent for its
courier/transportation analysis against FSSAI
charge of the sample Parameters and other quality
parameter in Board’s approved
[The analysis consists laboratory or any other NABL
of the package for all approved laboratory only
the FSSAI parameters
for tea] The samples will be drawn as per
the procedure laid down under
Tea Act and TMCO, 2003

9.4. VALUE ADDITION BY ORGANIC TEA FACTORIES -For both Big

Grower and small tea grower sector
9.4.1. Scale of assistance

Sl Item Scale of assistance (Rs) Other eligibility and conditions

No.
1 Colour sorter 50% of the Unit Cost Only registered Organic Tea
with ceiling limit of Manufacturing Unit is eligible
Modern Blending and Rs.100.00 Lakhs + GST (Estate factory/Bought leaf tea
Packaging Machine or any other applicable factory/Mini factory)
tax including the cost of
packing, transportation, Standalone 100% Organic tea
transit Insurance and the packaging unit is also eligible for
cost of installation and installing Modern Packaging &
commissioning of the blending unit subject the unit has
machine but does not got Organic Certification from the
include the civil work for Tea Board approved certifying
creating additional space agency or APEDA
for accommodating the
machineries The equipment to be imported
under the Export Promotion
Capital Goods Import (EPCG)
scheme will not be considered

The procurement and installation

of the machinery will have to be
 completed within six months from
the date of submission of
application. However, relaxation
may be given for the items to be
imported where the Order is
placed within 30 days of the
submission of application but is
delay in transition cum installation
but it shall not be relaxed for
more than 30 days on and above
the expiry of six months from the
date of submission of application.

Procurement of Old Machine is

not permitted under the scheme
component

9.5. SETTING UP ORGANIC FACTORIES (BIG)- For both Big Grower and
small tea grower sector
9.5.1. Scale of Assistance

Sl Item Scale of assistance (Rs)

No.
1 Setting up of Organic Tea Factory 50% of the unit cost with ceiling limit of
Rs.200.00 Lakhs per unit

9.6. SETTING UP ORGANIC FACTORIES (MINI) - For small tea grower

sector
“Mini tea factory” means a tea factory owned by a small grower, an association of small
tea growers or a Producer Company and which sources all the required tea leaf from its
own plantation/command area for the purpose of manufacture of tea and having
capacity to produce not more than five hundred kilograms of made tea per day,
as stipulated in the Tea (Marketing) Control Order

9.6.1. Scale of assistance

Sl Item Scale of assistance Other eligibility/ceiling

No.
1 Assistance for setting 40% of cost with ceiling limit Must obtained Certificate from
up of mini-Organic tea of Rs. 0.33crs /factory Licensing/Registering Authority
factory by Big Tea Department for filing application
Growers/ for claiming subsidy
Individual/Association 50% in case of Non-
of Small Tea Growers traditional areas of North East Must have the copy of Organic
or farmers producer with ceiling limit of Rs.0.33 Certification to the tea
company Crs/factory whichever is plantation/estate/small tea
 lower growers from where the leaves
are sourced

Subsidy will be paid subject to

availability of funds

9.7. ORGANIC CERTIFICATION -For small tea grower sector/FPO/FPC

only
9.7.1. Scale of assistance:

Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/ceiling

Assistance
(Rs.)
1 Organic 50% of the Maximum ceiling limit Rs.2.00 Lakhs per
Certification cost of certification
certification
or the Financial assistance will be given for the
renewals of certification cost only including fresh certificate
certificate and for renewals of certificate. Certificate has to
be obtained from only such accredited certification
agencies that are empanelled with Tea
Board/APEDA under National Program for Organic
Production (NPOP)

The cost is inclusive of the cost of certification only

9.8. ORGANIC CONVERSION - For small tea grower sector/FPO/FPC only

9.8.1. Scale of Assistance:
Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/conditions
Assistance (Rs.)
1 Organic Post 1st year Financial assistance will be extended for
Conversion conversion: Rs. conversion of existing conventional tea
50,000 per ha plantations to organic tea plantations to a
maximum extent of 5 ha.
Post 2nd year
conversion: Rs. Only accredited certification agencies that
50,000 per ha are empaneled with Tea Board/APEDA under
Post 3rd year National Program for Organic Production
conversion: Rs. (NPOP) will be considered
1,00,000 per ha
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd year conversion
assistance will be paid either in continuity or
independently
 9.9. ORGANIC FARM INPUTS -For small tea grower sector/FPO/FPC only
9.9.1. Scale of assistance

Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/ceiling

Assistance (Rs.)
1 Organic Farm @ Rs. 20,000 The assistance would be restricted up to 4 ha
Inputs ceiling limit per unit per beneficiary small growers and upto 4 ha
subject to actual per member of SHG/FPO/FPC on Pro-rata
basis and to only those who are either under
cost
Organic Conversion or had obtained the
Organic Certification

Unit here is the construction of Organic

Liquid tank, Bio-fertilizer pit, vermin compost
unit, botanical extract unit etc., as per the
specification/standard available with
TRA/UPASI/or any other recognized Institute

Assistance would be provided for on farm

input production infrastructure for organic
cultivation such as liquid manure tanks,
compost pits, botanical extracts etc., on
actuals of Rs.20000/- whichever is lower

Preference shall be given to SHG/FPO/FPC

over individual small tea growers but it shall
not be common or extended if the same is
availed or proposed under proposed NAFCC
(Climate Resilient tea proposal)

9.10. INCENTIVE FOR EXPORTERS: For Big and small tea grower
sector/FPO/FPC (estate factory/bought leaf tea factory/Mini tea
factory/co-operative etc.)/ Registered Exporter

In order to boost the export of teas from North East Region, Incentive to the exporters
were provided for those exporting the teas from ICD Amingaon @ Rs.2/Kgs of teas. This is
compensating exporters who are shipping teas from ICD, Amingaon, Assam, taking into
account the fact that the additional charges being levied by the shipping companies
towards transportation and terminal handling charges arising out of the empty haulage of
the containers during the return journey from the port of shipment to Amingaon affects
export competitiveness.

9.10.1. Scale of assistance

Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/ceiling

Assistance (Rs.)
1 Incentive to @ Rs.2/Kgs of teas The Big Growers/small tea
Exporter for the exported/shipped growers/estate factory/BLF/Co-
teas through ICD, operative factory/ FPO/FPC who have
 exported/shipped Amingaon, Assam obtained Exporter License from Tea
through ICD, Board are also eligible
Amingaon
The claim shall be restricted to teas of
Indian Origin only

Tea exported in all form packed/value

added/bulk etc., are eligible

The claim for the reimbursement of

incentive shall be submitted for each
quarter as follows

Period of Export Last/cutoff date

January - March 30th April
April - June 30th July
July-September 30th October
October-December 30th January

There are no Pre/Post activity

inspections

9.11. BRAND BUILDING OF TEA PRODUCED IN NER

There is very little value addition or brand building at the manufacturers’ level for tea that is
sold in domestic and export markets. For Indian tea to be the customers’ first choice it is
essential that brand building is done and managed.
It is essential that generic promotion of tea from the North East as a whole and very
focused promotion highlighting these different types of teas to be undertaken. This is
because the teas from the North East are highly sought after by discerning consumers from
India and abroad.

While the technical knowledge can be provided by the Tea Board, the actual work of brand
building will have to be outsourced to the best professionals including advertising
consultants, media planners, marketing communication advisors, communication and brand
strategy experts for various promotional projects for both overseas and domestic markets
having extensive international and national networking across all media partners. Main part
of the campaign will be done through social media.

Since this involves the overall mandate of the Board and cannot be done in isolation,
Promotion Directorate at Boards Head Office will draw up implementable plans and
programs with approval of Deputy Chairman
 9.11.1. Scale of assistance

Sl.No. Activity Scale of Other criteria/conditions

Assistance (Rs.)
1 Brand Building Outsource Agency- The terms and conditions are as per the
of Tea Through Selection tender document floated for selection of
Produced in based on actuals Agency for undertaking Brand Promotion
activity for North East Region
North Eastern upon approved of the
Region Competent Authority

10.0. SCHEDULED CASTE SUB PLAN AND TRIBAL AREA SUB PLAN FOR
SMALL TEA GROWERS FOR COMPONENT -1 AND COMPONENT- 2

The small tea growers belonging to Scheduled Caste Community would be covered under
the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP)

The small tea growers belonging to Scheduled Tribe Community would be covered under the
Tribal Sub Plan (TASP)

The small tea growers belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe are eligible for all
the assistance as reflected under Component – 1 and its sub-component and Component -2
and its sub-component

The Eligibility Criteria and mode of submission of application and other conditions/criteria
will remain same as mentioned under Component – 1 and its sub-component and
Component -2 and its sub-component. The application fee will however be exempted.

In addition to the documents desired under the Component – 1 and its sub-component and
Component -2 and its sub-component, the eligible small tea growers belonging to Scheduled
Caste and Scheduled tribe will have to submit the valid caste certificate issued from the
concerned authority for availing the benefits.

The SHGs/FPOs/FPCs may get the benefit under SCSP and TASP if the group consists of
minimum 50 % members from Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, as the case may be,
unless otherwise mentioned.

There are some relaxations made under the Scheme Component – 1 and its sub-component
and Component -2 and its sub-component

The physical and financial target under Scheme Component – 1 and its sub-component and
Component -2 are additional and were met through the fund allocated under SCSP & TASP

10.1. Under Component – 1: Plantation Development - Small Tea

Growers

Sl.No. Sub- Component Relaxation to Scheduled Caste & Scheduled

 Tribe Growers
1 Mechanization(no) Does not arise as the items are available in Sl.No.2 &
3
2 Assistance to SHGs (no of SHG) The items available for the SHG would be available to

3 Assistance to FPOs (no of FPO) the eligible individual small tea growers belonging to
SC/ST Category subject that the items (machineries)
have not been issued under previous MTF period and
there is a minimum gap of five years for the same
machinery assistance. In addition, individuals would
be eligible for green leaf transport vehicle subject to
scheme stipulations on quantum of green leaf
handling.

The SHG/FPO/FPC can avail the financial benefit out

of the fund allocated under SCSP/TASP as the case
may be, if they have got at least 50% members
belonging either under SC or ST category.
4 Annual Awards (no) Award of Rs. 10000/- to the best individual SC and ST
growers in each tea growing district. The Data sheet
shall be uniform for all the regions for selection of
best performing individual SC/ST growers
5 Assistance for Medium / Big Assistance will be provided @ 50% of the unit cost
Factory (no) with ceiling limit of Rs. 2.00 Crores /factory is
applicable subject that the group SHG/FPO/FPC must
have minimum 50% members belonging to either SC
or ST category
6 Assistance for Mini Factory (no) Assistance will be provided @ 50% of the unit cost

with enhanced ceiling limit of Rs. 0.50 Crores /mini

factory is applicable
7 Workshop & Training (no of Assistance will be provided with the enhanced ceiling
training) of Rs.40000/- per workshop including the study
material, transportation of the SC/ST growers
including food (snacks + lunch) for minimum 20
beneficiaries in each workshop/training
8 Soil Testing (in thousands) 100% soil analysis charges will be borne by Tea Board
on and above Rs.261/sample analysis charge, if any
(as actuals charged by the laboratory)
9 Organic Certification (no of Assistance will be provided @ 100% of cost of
garden) Certification including renewals with ceiling of Rs. 2.00
lakhs per Certificate.
10 Organic Conversion (ha) Assistance will be provided @ 100 % of the
conversion cost with ceiling @ Rs 2.00 lakhs/ha for
SC/ST Growers having 4.00 ha of tea area and for 20
ha. of tea area to the group SHG/FPO/FPC having
minimum 50% members belonging to either SC or ST
category.
11 Organic farm inputs (ha) Assistance will be provided @ 100% of the unit cost
with ceiling limit of Rs 20000/ unit

10.2. Under Component – 2 Sector Specific Action Plan for NITI Forum for
North East

Sl.No. Sub- Component Relaxation to Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribe

Growers
1 Cluster Development by Tea The SHG/FPO/FPC can avail the financial benefit out of the
Board and Formation of FPC fund allocated under SCSP/TASP as the case may be, if they
/ Cooperative (no): have got at least 50% members belonging either under SC
or ST category.
Registration and contribution
to corpus for organic tea
Assistance will be provided with the enhanced ceiling
Training, handholding, GAP of Rs.40000/- per training including the study
management, material, transportation of the SC/ST growers
documentation, for organic including food (snacks + lunch) for minimum 20
tea beneficiaries in each workshop/training
100% tea sample analysis charges will be borne by
Tea Board on and above Rs.20000/sample analysis
Ensuring quality check and charge (on actuals as submitted by the testing
drawing & testing of tea laboratory), if any for unit belonging to SC/ST or the
samples groups SHG/FPO/FPC having minimum 50% members
 belonging to either SC or ST category.
Assistance will be provided with the enhanced rate of
@ 80% of the unit cost to the maximum ceiling of
Rs.100 Lakhs for individual SC/ST or the groups
Value addition by organic SHG/FPO/FPC having minimum 50% members
tea factories belonging to either SC or ST category
Assistance will be provided @ 80% of the unit cost
with ceiling limit of Rs. 2.00 Crores /factory is
applicable subject that the group SHG/FPO/FPC must
Setting up Organic factories have minimum 50% members belonging to either SC
(big) or ST category
Assistance will be provided @ 80% of the unit cost
with ceiling limit of Rs. 0.33 Crores/Factory is
applicable subject that the group SHG/FPO/FPC must
have minimum 50% members belonging to either SC
or ST category while for the Non-Traditional area of
Setting up Organic factories North East Region, it is further enhanced to 90% of
(mini) the unit cost with ceiling limit of Rs.0.33 Crores
Assistance will be provided @ 100 % of the
conversion cost with ceiling @ Rs 2.00 lakhs/ha for
SC/ST Growers having 2.00 ha of tea area and for 20
ha. of tea area to the group SHG/FPO/FPC having
minimum 50% members belonging to either SC or ST
Organic Conversion category.
Assistance will be provided @ 100% of the unit cost
Organic farm inputs with ceiling limit of Rs 20000/ unit
Assistance/ Incentive will be enhanced @ Rs.3/Kgs of
teas exported/shipped through ICD, Amingaon, Assam
if the exporter belongs to SC or ST category or if the
Exporter is a Firm/public Limited Company and has
got at least 50% Directors out of the total Board of
Incentive for Exporters Director belonging to either SC or ST Category

11.0. COMPONENT 3- MARKET PROMOTION

Objective: of the market promotion scheme is to raise awareness of the rich legacy of
Indian tea in the overseas and domestic markets and facilitate various trade promotion and
related activities, which in turn will help increase exports of Indian Tea in the International
arena and consumption of tea in the domestic market
The component has the following sub-components covering the broad areas of market
development and export promotion:

11.1. Domestic Promotion

11.2. Domestic Promotion (including events, fairs , exhibitions, promotion through
print, audio-visual, electronic, social, digital and multimedia, generic promotional
campaigns, sponsorships, billboards, posters, advertisements, commercials, films, on
ground activities, BTL and ATL activities, activities both in online and offline formats,
promotional and publicity materials, market survey and market intelligence,
infrastructure development etc.)
11.3. Scheme for setting up Tea Boutiques in India for Domestic Promotion
11.4. Overseas Promotion
11.5. Scheme for promotional support to tea associations
11.6. Overseas promotion, campaigns (including trade delegations, events,
advertising, sponsorships, print, audio visual, electronic, digital and social and
multimedia, billboards, posters, advertisements, commercials, films, on ground
activities, activities both in online and offline formats, BTL and ATL activities,
promotional and publicity materials membership to Tea bodies/ associations/
councils of tea importing countries, market surveys, market intelligence and
infrastructure development etc.)
11.7. Scheme for participation in international events, trade fairs& exhibitions,
delegations with Tea Board
11.8. Project Management Unit
11.9. Intellectual Property Right and Logo protection

All the Schemes and activities will be implemented depending on

availability of funds with Tea Board

11.1. Domestic Promotion

There is a huge scope for increasing domestic consumption which may help in maintaining
the supply demand equilibrium in the tea industry.

The principal objective of participating in domestic fairs, exhibitions and events and
undertaking a promotional campaign
Tea should be projected as a beverage which provides the twin benefit of taste and
wellness
The concept of tea boutiques amplify and consolidate the various measures of increasing
awareness about tea.
The following activities will be undertaken under this sub- component:

i. Generic promotional multimedia campaigns for increasing awareness of

the positive attributes and the many facets of Indian teas including
the specialty teas, myriad varieties, types, etc. with the support of
professional agencies on a sustained basis.
ii. Protection and promotion of various intellectual properties a n d G I teas
(Darjeeling, Assam, Assam Orthodox, Nilgiris, Nilgiris Orthodox and Kangra)
iii. Promotion through participating and organizing on ground events/activities,
fairs, exhibitions, sponsorships, multi media advertising and through
programmes on print, audio visual, electronic, digital, social and
multimedia, ATL and BTL activities both in online and offline formats for
propagating the diversity & richness of Indian tea, market surveys and
market intelligence, promotional and publicity materials. Participation in
and organizing other relevant programs such as webinars, seminars, talk
shows, virtual meetings etc.
iv. Establishment of Tea Boutiques in important locations to increase
awareness about the appreciation of tea drinking experience and to
increase domestic consumption of tea
v. Sponsorship of tea, F& B, lifestyle and health related programmes and
events

The following schemes are the principal instruments for executing the envisaged activities:
11.1.1. Scheme for Participation in Domestic events, Fairs and
Exhibitions with Tea Board

Objective:
The principle objective of participating in domestic fairs, exhibitions and events should be to
reinforce the positive image of tea in the minds of the Indian populace, as well as to
promote tea as the preferred beverage.

11.2. Scheme for setting up Tea Boutiques in India for Domestic Promotion

Objective: To encourage consumers and users to enjoy Indian tea in an appropriate

ambience with an aim at appreciating the fine experience of tea drinking

Nature of assistance: Tea Board will handhold a prospective entrepreneur for setting up
tea boutique for three (3) years in terms of financial assistance being provided to him/her as
explained below in a structured format:
For Tier I cities
Type
of acquisition for a
Remarks
stand-alone Nature of financial assistance
boutique
End of End of End of
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Subject to upper
ceiling of Rs. 20
25% of
Ownership 50% of WC 25% of WC lakh in Year 1 and
(Capex*+WC**)
Rs. 10 lakh each in
Year 2 & 3
Subject to upper
ceiling of Rs. 10
Rental 50% of rental 40% of rental 30% of rental
lakh each in Year
1, 2 & 3
*Capex- It excludes land/space value and land value
**WC- Working capital toward day-to-day operations

For Tier II cities

Type of Nature of financial assistance Remarks

acquisition
for a stand-
alone
boutique

End of Year 1 End of Year 2 End of Year 3

Subject to upper
Ownership
ceiling
of Rs. 10 lakh in Year
30% of 50% of WC
30% of WC 1
(Capex*+WC**)
and Rs. 5 lakh each in
Year
2&3
Subject to upper
ceiling of Rs. 5 lakh
Rental 50% of rental 40% of rental 40% of rental
each in year 1, 2 &
3.

*Capex- It excludes land/space value and land value

**WC- Working capital toward day-to-day operations

11.3. Overseas Promotion

Objective: To focus on promotional programs in overseas markets in order to increase
awareness about Indian tea and to enhance the image and brand equity of Indian tea in a
bid to boost tea exports from India.
The following activities will be undertaken under this sub-component:
i. It is proposed to promote India Tea and the various specialty teas, among consumers
and trade with a view to building equity for Indian tea in international markets.
ii. Generic promotion of India teas are proposed to be undertaken in the overseas
markets by the Board through road shows, participation in trade fairs, events
&exhibitions, generic as well as specialty tea campaigns, branding exercises,
membership of various Tea Councils/Associations in other countries, trade
facilitation through arranging Buyer-Seller Meets, sponsorships of programme,
exchange of trade delegations (inbound & outbound), information dissemination
upon gathering of market intelligence, protection and promotion of various
intellectual properties of the Board, multimedia promotions ( print, audio visual,
electronic etc ) , social and digital media promotions for propagating the diversity &
richness of Indian tea in the International arena. Promotional activities, virtual
meetings etc. Overseas promotion would also be carried out by the Tea Board with
the active support of Indian Missions abroad.
iii. Activities which form part of the export promotion are on ground activities,
multi-media generic promotional campaigns (print, Audio visual, electronic, digital,
social media etc) to be conducted by professional agencies on a sustained basis. In
case of imposed restrictions including virtual.
iv. Membership to Tea Associations of important importing countries,
advertisements, Sponsorship of tea programme and advertisements related to F& B,
lifestyle, wellness and health related programme etc., Infrastructure development,
production and purchase of promotional materials, logistics support, freight
neutralization measures, PR activities etc. are other areas for export promotion.
11.4. Scheme for Promotional support to Tea Associations
Objective: To encourage Tea Associations to undertake promotional activities in overseas
markets for creating greater awareness of Indian teas and expanding India’s market share
therein. The tea Associations availing the Scheme must be a registered entity

Sub-component contour: The promotional assistance will be applicable for the following
categories: -
1) Fairs & Exhibitions
Participation in Trade & Consumer Fairs/Exhibitions that are approved by the Board in
advance.
Scale of assistance: Tea Associations participating in Trade & Consumer Fairs/Exhibitions
may be entitled to 60% of built-up booth cost (the cost of the space rent, stand fabrication
and furnishing cost) incurred by them, by way of reimbursement. There would be a ceiling
of Rs 5 lakhs. All other cost will have to be borne by the Associations

2) Media support
Advertisements through

a. Media (social, digital, print, audio visual, electronic and any other media as
found suitable for a specific market subject to prior approval of Tea Board)
b. Any other media e.g., Hoarding/Bus/Train or Tram panel advertising etc. as
part of their publicity/promotion of their Indian origin teas, subject to prior
approval of Tea Board

Scale of assistance: 50 % of the media cost up to a ceiling of Rs 5 lakh

3) Field/Store Promotion
Field or in-store Promotion, Tea Tasting/Tea Festivals and other programme in support of
tea brands for the members of the Association for promoting Indian origin teas
Scale of assistance:
(a) 50% of display & shelf rental cost for reimbursement subject to a ceiling of Rs. 5 lakh
per annum per market
(b) Equal cost-sharing basis between Tea Association and Tea Board for organising Tea
Tasting/Tea Festivals and other promotional programmes in support of tea brands up to a
ceiling of Rs 5 lakhs

4) In Bound Delegations
Inviting inbound delegations by registered Tea Associations which may comprise overseas
buyers/ importers, media personnel, member(s) of the respective Governments, key
decision-makers/influencers, important stakeholders etc.
Scale of assistance: Tea Board to bear the full cost of International and domestic airfare.
Cost on account of hotel accommodation, meals, boarding and lodging, entertainment/PR
local transport, hospitality, logistics, seminars, conferences and meetings etc. and all other
expenses related to the delegation to be borne by Tea Association and Tea Board on 50: 50
cost sharing basis.

Tea Board will bear the full cost of the international and domestic airfare on account of the
delegation’s visit to India. All other costs related to the delegation on account of hotel
accommodation, entertainment/PR, meals, boarding and lodging, hospitality, local transport,
logistics, conferences and meeting, organization etc and all other expenses related to the
delegation will be borne by the Association(s) and the Tea Board on a 50:50 cost sharing
basis

If Tea Board is organizing the Inbound delegation on its own initiative, then it will bear the
full cost of the delegation except costs associated with tea garden and factory visit such as
local hospitality, meals, meetings, seminars, boarding and lodging, local transport and
conveyance, logistics, sightseeing and entertainment /PR programme.

5. Out Bound Delegations

For an outbound delegation led by Tea Board, the strategies are primarily to reinforce
business prospects through networking .
Scale of assistance: Costs on account of local logistics (NOT including accommodations,
boarding, lodging, meals etc which is to be borne by the delegates) and organizing BSM in
the destination country to be shared at 50: 50 basis between Tea Board India and the Tea
Association.
For an outbound delegation led by registered tea associations: -
(a) Costs on account of local logistics (NOT including accommodations, boarding, lodging,
meals etc which is to be borne by the delegates) and organizing BSM in the destination
country to be shared at 50: 50 basis between Tea Board India and the tea Association
(b) 50% cost reimbursement of air travel for one member in a company by economy class
50%costreimbursementofairtravelforone member in a company by economy class may be
considered for the sector India-event destination-India only for the outbound delegations

11.5. Scheme for Participation in International fairs and exhibitions with Tea
Board
Objective: To provide a platform to the exporters to show case their products in
international events for promotion and facilitate generation of trade opportunities through
interaction between buyers and sellers during the exhibition as well as to create greater
awareness among the general populace and consumers
2. In order to ensure equitable and fair representation from the industry in an event,
the following quota would be adhered to, for implementation out of the admissible
number of exporters to be accommodated in Tea Board’s pavilion for a particular
fair/exhibition.

Sl.No Segment % Representation

1 Merchant Exporters 40%
2 Producer Exporters 30%
3 Value added including organic 10%
4 First time entrant/ new companies 10%
5 Entrepreneurs/Small growers 10%

In case of more entries in segments 1 to 3, decision for selection will based on parameters
as at C (1) above, whereas in case of segment 4 & 5 it will be based on recommendation of
committee consisting of Deputy Chairman, Executive Director (Guwahati) and Executive
Director (Coonoor).

11.6. Intellectual Property Rights and logo protection

The Board shall spend the funds allocated under the sub heading ‘Intellectual Property
Rights and Logo Protection’ under the Market Promotion Scheme in the following broad
categories: -

1. Registration of Geographical Indication, Certification Trade Mark, Certified Trade Mark,

Trade Mark, Copy Right of teas of Indian Origin in India and other countries;
2. Renewal/amendment of Geographical Indication, Certification Trade Mark,
Certified Trade Mark and Trade Mark of marks owned by the Board in India and
other countries;
3. Opposing such marks which are similar or deceptively similar to the marks owned
by the Board in India and other countries and if required filing of oppositions,
appeals, reviews, revisions, cancellation proceedings and defending any such
oppositions, appeals, reviews, revisions, cancellation proceedings filed against the
marks owned by the Board;
 4. Creation of Online Traceability, Block Chain system for authenticating the integrity
of marks registered as Geographical Indication and Certification Trade mark;
5. Registration/renewal of domain names in the name of the marks owned by the
Board;
6. Creation of dedicated funds for protection of marks owned by the Board;
7. Creation of Online portal for grant/renewal of license/permission for use of the
marks owned by the Board and issuing Certificate of Origin for such marks;
8. Taking membership of Associations/Trade Bodies for better protection of marks
owned by the Board;
9. Appointment of watch agency, Publication of trade notices for better protection of
marks owned by the Board;
10. Instituting study/survey for better protection of marks owned by the Board;
11. Any other expenses essential for protection of marks owned by the Board;
12.0. COMPONENT 4 – WELFARE OF WORKERS – SMALL TEA GROWERS
AND THEIR WARDS

12.1. Objective: There are more than 2.10 lakhs small tea growers throughout
India with tea area approx. 2.15 lakhs ha. sharing almost 50% of the total tea
production. Unlike, the workers of the tea garden that accounts for around 1.16
million of the total work forces in tea garden and are protected with various statutory
Act and Laws viz., Plantation Labour Act, on the other hand the small tea growers
generally works on their own plantation together with their family members and
were devoid of all such facility provided to the tea garden workers. As such this
component will help the small Tea growers workers.
12.2. Activity/Sub Component:Education to the wards of the Small Tea
Growers area up to 2.00 ha.

12.3. Education Stipend:

Objective: To provide welfare measures for securing better educational facilities and
improvement of amenities and incentives for encouraging education for the wards of the
small tea growers (STG) up to holding 2.00 ha. area under tea plantation

12.3.1. Nature, Scale of Assistance and other eligibility criteria

Sl.No. Activity Scale of Assistance (Rs.)

1 Education Reimbursement of tuitionfeesand2/3rd of the hostel charges (including
Stipend boarding and lodging) are paid on the basis of actual subject to ceiling
limit up to Rs.20000.00
 12.4. Award for meritorious students Class X
12.4.1. Objective: To encourage the wards of the small tea growers towards
importance of Education.

12.4.2. Nature, Scale of assistance and other eligibility criteria

Sl.No. Activity Scale of Assistance (Rs.)

1 Award for meritorious One time lumpsum grant @Rs. 8,000/- to the eligible
students Class- X wards of the growers.

12.5. Award for meritorious students Class XII

12.5.1. Objective: To encourage the wards of the small tea growers towards
importance of Education.

12.5.2. Nature, Scale of assistance and other eligibility criteria

Sl.No. Activity Scale of Assistance (Rs.)

1 Award for meritorious [email protected],000/- to the eligible wards
students Class- XII of the growers.

12.6. Studies on Tea Industry

13.6.1 Objective: This component will be used to undertake study on the Tea
Industry by an independent expert agency that will help the
stakeholder/government to frame a policy for the overall development of tea
industry as and when there is a need.

13.0. SCHEDULED CASTE SUB PLAN AND TRIBAL AREA SUB PLAN FOR
SMALL TEA GROWERS FOR COMPONENT -4 AND SUB COMPONENT

The small tea growers belonging to Scheduled Caste Community would be covered under
the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP)

The small tea growers belonging to Scheduled Tribe Community would be covered under the
Tribal Sub Plan (TASP)

The small tea growers belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe are eligible for all
the assistance as reflected under Component – 5 and its sub-component

The Eligibility Criteria and mode of submission of application and other conditions/criteria
will remain same as mentioned under Component – 5 and its sub-component The
application fee will however be exempted.

In addition to the documents desired under the Component – 5 and its sub-component the
eligible small tea growers belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled tribe will have to
submit the valid caste certificate issued from the concerned authority for availing the
benefits.

There are some relaxations made under the Scheme Component – 5 and its sub-component

The physical and financial target under Scheme Component – 5 and its sub-component are
additional and were met through the fund allocated under SCSP & TASP

13.1. Under Component – 4: WELFARE OF WORKERS – SMALL TEA GROWERS

AND THEIR WARDS

Sl.No. Sub- Component Relaxation to Scheduled Caste & Scheduled

Tribe Growers
1 i. Children/dependent ward of SC/ST small tea
growers holding up to 4.00ha. area under
tea plantation ,are also eligible forthe Award
Education Stipend ii. Stipend is granted to a student even if he/she
is detained in a class

2 i. Children/dependent ward of SC/ST small tea

growers holding up to 4.00ha. area under
Award for meritorious
tea plantation, are also eligible for the Award
students Class X ii. The percentage of marks eligible shall be 50%
for consideration of award

3 i. Children/dependent ward of SC/ST small tea

growers holding up to 4.00 ha. area under
Award for meritorious
tea plantation, are also eligible for the Award
students Class XII ii. The percentage of marks eligible shall be 50%
for consideration of award

13. Component -5: Research and Development

The Tea Research the country is taken up by public private partnership with Tea Research
Association, Tocklai and UPASI in the Nilgiris. The Research Directorate has been entrusted
to formulate, co-ordinate, monitor and evaluate tea research nationally through Tea
Research Institutes (TRIs).

The Tea Development and Promotion Scheme of the Medium Term Framework (2017-2020)
is proposed to be continued into the next Plan Period (2021 -2026)

Research & Development will comprise of the following Sub-Components:-

5.1 : Grant in Aid to TRA and UPASI-TRF@ 49%

 5.2 : Support to DTR&DC & QCL
5.3 : Evaluation and Monitoring

The modalities of each subcomponent containing the details (objectives, eligibility

criteria, release of assistance, claims for financial support etc.)are given below.

14.1. Sub-Component: Grant in aid to TRA and UPASI-TRF (49%)

Objectives:

To support Tea Research Institutes (TRIs) for undertaking focused research and
extension activities for the improvement of production and quality, processing,
mechanization and other relevant demand driven research for Tea Industry.

Scale of Assistance:

49% financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid under five identified heads. The 49 % of
the Grant-in-Aid under this scheme will be capped at the level of expenditure of these
Institutes during financial year2016-17,without upward revision.

The five identified heads for Grant-in aid to two Tea Research Institutes (TRIs) include the
followings:

Sl. No. TRA UPASI-TRF

1 Salary Salary & Allowances (including PF and Gratuity)

2 PF Printing &Stationery
3 Gratuity Electricity &Water Supply
4 Medical Travelling & Vehicle
5 Training Consumables for R&D

14.2. Sub-Component: Support to Darjeeling Tea Research &

Development Centre (DTR&DC) and Quality Control
Laboratory (QCL)

Objectives:

Various works related to infrastructural development at both DTRDC, Kurseong and Quality
Control Laboratory (QCL), Siliguri, procurement of scientific
equipmentandrecruitmentofcontractualscientists/researchfellows/researchassistantsetc.arein
cluded in this Up-gradation scheme.
Further, recurring expenditure including consumables for day-to-day research work,
expenditure for maintenance of experimental field (covering manures, pesticides etc.),
maintenance of equipment and other administrative costs for both DTRDC and QCL, are also
included in this scheme. Day-to-day running of QCL and research work includes
administrative, accounting and other service support.

14. COMPONENT -6 REGULATORY FUNCTIONS INCLUDING AUCTION REFORMS

Tea Board is responsible for monitoring and regulation of the activities of the stakeholders
to ensure proper implementation of different directives of Central Government and Tea
Board issued from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Tea Act and Control
orders issued

The modalities of the various sub-components under Regulatory functions including auction
Reforms (RFAR) are given below

15.1. Drawing of tea samples:

Drawing of tea samples from tea factories, warehouses, export consignments, tea council or
from any other premises where teas are stored as and when required at random for testing
of their quality and adherence to standards specified under various control order of Tea
Board.
15.2. Strengthening of an IT enabled electronic platform for sale of tea and
tea waste

15.2.2. Functional Support

a. Provide day to day operational support to the seven auction centers and Tea
Board with headquarters at Kolkata.
b. Provide day to day operational support at Data Centre in Noida.
c. Comprehensive AMC support for the IT infrastructure installed at Data Centre.
d. Follow up with Tea Board’s MPLS/Data Centre in Noida/Data Recovery Centre
in Jaipur and other Service Providers.
e. Generate auction related statistics after the end of every sale programme.
f. Housekeeping, backup and recovery operations to ensure the integrity, good
health of the systems and databases.
g. Provide support from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M. on all auction days and as and when
required.
h. Development and implementation of Pan India Post e-Auction Settlement
Module in accordance with the provisions of the GST, as and when amended.
i. Development and implementation of the key recommendations of IIM,
Bangalore including Japanese Auction Model in the existing system.
 j. Modification of the system (post implementation) based on the stakeholder’s
feedback.
k. Maintenance of all the implemented systems like auction (tea and tea waste),
tea council etc.,

15.3. Traceability in the supply chain

“Traceability” is an important tool to track the movement of the tea right from raw materials
(green tea leaves) till its consumption. An effective traceability system relies on being able
to track product one step forward and one step back at any point in the supply chain. The
system a food business has in place includes any procedures for identifying producers,
suppliers, customers and products and the records
The entire process needs up gradation and integration in the existing auction system, the
Chai Sahyog app or any other software/hardware improvement and its linking with the
existing system through outsourcing the services.
15.4. Study on Tea Trade related activities

15.4.1. Objective

It is therefore very important to undertake the study on different stakeholder, redefining

their role and functions, bring transparency in the supply chain etc., through an expert
outsource agency. This component will be used for the same.
The study mainly aimed at

a. Study on the out turn percentage from green tea leaves to made teas in
different tea growing areas
b. The cost of production in different tea growing areas
c. The cost of manufacturing in different tea growing areas and for different
types of tea
d. The sharing of costs between the green leaf tea supplier and the
manufacturing unit (bought leaf tea factory or estate factory)
e. Warehousing costs and standards
f. Study on the role and functions of auction organizer and the brokers
g. Study on the present online auction system for improvement, if any and
alternative e-commerce platform
h. Study on the existing Control Orders
i. Any other trade related study