Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Quality Upgradation / Certification: Supply of Baby Pulpers

Description
The scheme "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Quality Upgradation / Certification: Supply of Baby Pulpers" is a Sub-Component of the Scheme "Integrated Coffee Development Project During the Medium Term Framework MTF Period: Development Support to Stakeholders" by the Coffee Board, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This scheme aims to facilitate the improvement of the quality of coffee produced by growers by encouraging them to establish infrastructure for quality enhancement and obtain certification for their coffees, enabling them to earn better returns. This involves three main activities: supply of pulpers, construction of cement drying yards, and eco-certification of coffee holdings.

Exclusions
• Those who have availed of benefits during the XII plan are not eligible.

Benefits
• Unit Cost: Actual cost of the unit or ₹16,000 per unit, whichever is less.
• Scale of Subsidy: 75% of the Unit Cost.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a tribal grower.
2. The applicant is eligible for only one unit.
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Application Process
Step 1: The Extension Officer identifies the beneficiary/applicant and obtains the application for procurement & supply of the baby pulper in the prescribed format (in duplicate). This process includes submitting land records and 25% of the unit cost.
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The Extension Officer identifies the beneficiary/applicant and obtains the application for procurement & supply of the baby pulper in the prescribed format (in duplicate). This process includes submitting land records and 25% of the unit cost.
If baby pulpers are procured and supplied by the State Government/Other Agencies, the Extension Officer collects beneficiary details along with 25% of the unit cost of the pulper.
The Extension Officer compiles a list of identified beneficiaries and submits it to the concerned Deputy Director (Extn.), who consolidates the regional requirements and forwards them to the Joint Director (Extn.), Guwahati.
The Joint Director (Extension), Guwahati completes the tendering process, adhering to all official formalities.
After the tendering process, the Joint Director (Extension), Guwahati obtains financial sanction from the Competent Authority and places the order with the accepted manufacturer. The condition is set for the manufacturer to supply the pulpers to the growers by October.
Extension Officers conduct inspections of the machinery at the growers' fields. They then submit the physical verification report to the concerned Deputy Director (Extn.)/Joint Director (Extn.), Guwahati, to effect the suppliers' payment.

Required Documents
• Proof of Grower's Registration.
• Land records/possession certificate duly certified by the Village Authority/State Government Authority/Competent Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the role of the Village Authority in certifying land records?
A: The Village Authority certifies the land records or possession certificate required for the application process.

Q: What actions are taken against applicants resorting to coercion or providing false information?
A: Applications engaging in coercion or furnishing false information face rejection, and legal action is initiated for subsidy recovery with applicable interest.

Q: Can beneficiaries apply for more than one unit under this scheme?
A: No, each eligible tribal grower is entitled to only one unit.

Q: How does the scheme support growers in obtaining better returns?
A: By encouraging the establishment of infrastructure for quality enhancement and obtaining certification, enabling growers to earn better returns for their coffee.

Q: What is the stipulated timeframe for the submission of applications and acceptance for eligible subsidies?
A: The release of eligible subsidy depends on fund availability during a specific year, and there is no automatic entitlement upon application submission.

Q: Could you explain the role of the Deputy Director (Extn.) in the beneficiary list compilation?
A: The Deputy Director consolidates regional requirements, reviewing the list compiled by Extension Officers before forwarding it to the Joint Director (Extn.), Guwahati.

Q: How are Extension Officers involved in the scheme's implementation after the tendering process?
A: They conduct machinery inspections at growers' fields and submit physical verification reports for payment processing.

Q: What is the significance of the condition for manufacturers to supply pulpers by October?
A: It ensures timely delivery of pulpers to growers, enhancing the effectiveness of the scheme.

Q: How is the financial sanction obtained after the tendering process?
A: The Joint Director (Extension), Guwahati, secures financial sanction from the Competent Authority to proceed with the order placement.

Q: Can you provide details on the amendment to the scheme?
A: The Coffee Board reserves the right to amend terms and conditions based on fund availability, and applications resorting to coercion or providing false information will be rejected with legal consequences.

Q: What documents are required during the application process?
A: Proof of Grower's Registration and certified land records/possession certificate in the beneficiary's name.

Q: What is the role of the Joint Director (Extension), Guwahati, in the scheme implementation?
A: The Joint Director completes the tendering process, obtains financial sanction, and places orders with manufacturers for pulpers to be supplied by October.

Q: How is the procurement of baby pulpers handled?
A: If procured by the State Government/Other Agencies, the Extension Officer collects beneficiary details and 25% of the unit cost.

Q: What is the unit cost for the baby pulper, and how much subsidy is provided?
A: The unit cost is the actual cost or [?]16,000 per unit, with a subsidy covering 75% of the unit cost.