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Shortly after announcing a Rs 50-crore mechanisation scheme for small growers, large growers and self-help groups, the Coffee Board has spelt out the kind of equipment that would qualify for subsidy.
In a meeting held late last week, the Coffee Board identified the following categories of machines as eligible for mechanisation subsidy: weed cutting machines or brush cutters; pit digging machines or augers; hand-held, battery-operated harvesting machines; telescopic pruners; and hi-tech sprayers. For each of these categories, the models, manufacturer and the maximum permissible price has been decided upon.
The subsidy would be claimed by growers or growers' collectives, depending on their eligibility, after they pay the full price of the equipment, officials said. On receipt of the subsidy claim, there will be a physical verification of the equipment. The Deputy Director (Extension) will finally disburse the claim.
The Coffee Board has assessed the “adequacy” of the machines eligible for subsidy. One pit digger can cover 20 hectares, whereas the weeder, lightweight battery-powered harvester, telescopic pruner and hi-tech sprayers can cover four hectares. “For a holding of 20 hectares, a grower can procure one pit digger and up to five of the other machines to be eligible for subsidy,” officials explained.
Right timing
Coffee Board officials said that in view of good crop prospects this year, this scheme has come at the right time, encouraging growers to invest in mechanisation of digging, weeding, pruning, spraying and harvesting operations. The scheme will be in effect from January 24, 2011 to March 31, 2012, coinciding with the end of the Eleventh Plan.
About two weeks ago, the Board notified the level of subsidy for different categories of growers. Under this, growers holding up to 20 hectares can avail of a subsidy of 50 per cent subject to a ceiling of Rs 2 lakh, whereas those holding above 20 hectares can avail of a subsidy of 25 per cent subject to a ceiling of Rs 4.5 lakh.
SHGs are eligible for 50 per cent subsidy, subject to a ceiling of Rs 5 lakh.
SHGs or growers' collectives should be formed by a group of at least 20 small coffee growers having an individual holding of up to 10 hectares.
The subsidy benefit is only for new machinery, officials clarified.
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