Tea Development and Promotion Scheme (TDPS): Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers (PDSTG): Mechanization for Individual Small Growers

Categories: Agriculture,Rural & Environment

Sub-categories: Agricultural Inputs- seeds, fertilizer etc., Mechanization- solar power, farming systems, Financial assistance

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Tea, Plantation, Agriculture, Farmer, Subsidy

• Equipment and Scale of Assistance
• Equipment: Pruning Machine; Ceiling Limit (₹): 30,000; Other Eligibility: One (1) Machine for each / upto 5.00 ha of tea area- Equipment: Mechanical Harvester; Ceiling Limit (₹): Single Man Harvester @ 25,000; Double Man Harvester @ 40,000; Other Eligibility: For each / up to 10.00 ha of tea area- Equipment: Power Sprayer; Ceiling Limit (₹): 15,000; Other Eligibility: For each / up to 5.00 ha of tea area- Equipment: Brush Cutter; Ceiling Limit (₹): 28,000; Other Eligibility: For each / up to 10.00 ha of tea area- Equipment: Plucking Shear; Ceiling Limit (₹): 550; Other Eligibility: For each/ up to 0.40 Ha of tea area Mode of Payment All payments will be through electronic mode i.e., RTGS/NEFT/PFMS

Is there any limitation on the number of applications a single applicant can submit for each scheme component?

Yes, the scheme specifies that only one application under each component will be considered. However, applicants may apply for more than one activity in a single application, depending on their eligibility.

Are there any specific fees associated with the application process, and are there exemptions for certain categories of applicants?

Yes, an application fee of Rs. 100/- (plus GST) is applicable for all applicants, except for those in the SC, ST, female, and differently-abled categories. These exempted stakeholders do not need to pay the application fee.

What are the two application modes available for this scheme, and under what circumstances is physical submission of applications accepted?

The two application modes are offline and online. Initially, the scheme allows for physical submission of applications at field offices (ZO/ROs/SROs/HQ) if the online platform is not yet ready for use. The Competent Authority may accept physical submissions until the online platform becomes operational.

Could you explain the mode of payment for the scheme's subsidies? What electronic payment methods are employed?

All subsidy payments under the scheme are made through electronic modes, which include RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement), NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), and PFMS (Public Financial Management System).

What are the specific exclusions mentioned in the scheme, particularly regarding the ownership of tea gardens?

Exclusions are in place to prevent misuse. In the event of a change in ownership of a tea garden before the completion of the subsidy disbursement, the previous owner will cease to receive any further subsidy payments after the transfer or sale is completed.

How does the scheme define the eligibility criteria for applicants, particularly small tea growers, including members of self-help groups and Farmers' Producer Organizations?

Eligible applicants include small tea growers who are members of self-help groups or Farmers' Producer Organizations, provided they have Tea Board registration or an identity smart card issued by the Tea Board. The identity card serves as a unique identification number for eligibility verification.

What are the ceiling limits and eligibility criteria for small tea growers to obtain equipment like the Pruning Machine and Mechanical Harvester under the PDSTG component?

Small tea growers are eligible for equipment under the PDSTG component. The ceiling limit for a Pruning Machine is ₹30,000, and one machine is allowed for each or up to 5.00 hectares of tea area. For the Mechanical Harvester, the ceiling limit is ₹25,000 for a Single Man Harvester and ₹40,000 for a Double Man Harvester. Eligibility for the Mechanical Harvester is for each or up to 10.00 hectares of tea area.

Could you elaborate on the specific components of the TDPS and how they contribute to the Indian tea industry's growth and sustainability?

He TDPS comprises seven major components, each serving distinct purposes within the Indian tea industry. These components are designed to protect, grow, and sustain the industry. One such component is "Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers (PDSTG)," which aims to boost the production and quality of tea and help small growers move up the value chain. Sustainability is addressed through the promotion of organic and climate-resilient tea. Another component focuses on the mechanization for individual small growers.

Could you explain what "Self-declaration under PPC compliance" entails and why it's a part of the required documents?

Self-declaration under PPC compliance refers to an assurance by the applicant that they are compliant with all relevant laws and regulations, particularly those related to the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. It serves as a declaration of adherence to food safety standards in tea production.

Are there any specific requirements for the survey map of the tea area, particularly in terms of who can certify it and how it should be prepared?

The scheme requires a survey map of the tea area, preferably A-4 size, to be drawn by a government-approved surveyor or the Land Revenue department. The map should be duly certified and signed by both the issuing authority and the applicant, where applicable. This ensures the accuracy and authenticity of the map.

How does the scheme define the concept of "organic tea cultivation" in the context of the PDSTG component, and what practices are encouraged?

Organic tea cultivation refers to the cultivation of tea without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides. The PDSTG component encourages practices such as using organic fertilizers, practicing integrated pest management, and promoting sustainability in tea cultivation to ensure the tea is free from harmful chemicals.

Could you explain the significance of mechanization for individual small tea growers within the PDSTG component? How does it benefit these growers?

Mechanization is a critical aspect of the PDSTG component. It provides small tea growers with equipment like pruning machines, mechanical harvesters, power sprayers, brush cutters, and plucking shears. These tools significantly improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance tea quality, making the entire tea cultivation process more sustainable and profitable.

Can you provide insights into the objectives of the "Plantation Development for Small Tea Growers (PDSTG)" component and how it contributes to the growth of small tea growers?

The PDSTG component aims to enhance the production, productivity, and quality of tea among small tea growers. It promotes their overall development, encourages organic tea cultivation and climate-resilient tea, and assists in setting up their own processing units. This empowers small growers and helps them move up the value chain.

• https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/tdpspdstgmisg
• https://www.teaboard.gov.in/pdf/Approved_modalitites_Guidelines_pdf4268.pdf

Guidelines

https://www.teaboard.gov.in/pdf/Approved_modalitites_Guidelines_pdf4268.pdf