Central Government subsidies and support schemes for tea estates in India, including Jalpaiguri tea gardens

 

Here’s a detailed overview of Central Government subsidies and support schemes for tea estates in India, including Jalpaiguri tea gardens:

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1. Tea Board of India – Development and Welfare Schemes

The Tea Board of India under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry provides multiple schemes for tea plantation development, welfare of workers, and estate modernization.

Scheme / Subsidy	Purpose	Eligibility / Details
Capital Subsidy for Tea Plantations	To modernize tea plantations, improve productivity, and replace old bushes.	- Small, medium, and large tea estates.

• 25–50% subsidy on approved capital investment for replanting, irrigation, mechanization. |
  | Integrated Scheme for Tea Development (ISTD) | For development of tea industry in traditional and non-traditional areas. | - Includes replanting, renovation, mechanization, and quality improvement.

• Subsidy may cover 25–50% of approved project cost. |
  | Tea Workers’ Welfare Schemes | Welfare of tea garden workers: housing, education, healthcare, maternity benefits. | - Workers in registered tea estates.

• Includes crèches, schools, dispensaries, and community welfare centers. |
  | Market Promotion & Quality Improvement | Subsidy for branding, packaging, marketing, and export promotion of Indian tea. | Tea estates, small tea growers, exporters. |
  | Small Tea Growers’ Development Scheme | Support for planting, rejuvenation, and equipment for small growers (<10 ha). | - Subsidy up to 50% for planting, mechanization, and irrigation. |

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2. Plantation Labour Welfare Fund (Central Support)

• The Plantation Labour Act, 1951 mandates welfare measures for workers.

• Central government provides financial assistance to states for:

  • Housing for workers

  • Health and education

  • Drinking water and sanitation facilities

  • Canteens and community centers

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3. National Horticulture Mission / NABARD Schemes

Some schemes also apply to tea estates, especially for infrastructure, irrigation, and organic conversion:

• NABARD refinance schemes: Loans at concessional rates for tea garden modernization.

• Organic Tea Certification Subsidy: Financial support for estates converting to organic tea cultivation.

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4. Other Benefits

• Central assistance for sick/closed estates: In some cases, estates declared sick under the Tea Board Act may receive soft loans or revival packages.

• Skill Development & Training: Tea Board programs provide training for workers and supervisors on tea plucking, management, and processing.