Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes

Introduction 

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes are government initiatives launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to support coconut cultivation, processing, and marketing across the country. Established in 1981 as a statutory body, CDB aims to address challenges faced by coconut farmers such as low productivity, ageing plantations, pest and disease management, and limited value addition. These schemes promote modern farming techniques and support infrastructure development, improving income for farmers and related entrepreneurs in coconut-growing states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

The policy behind CDB schemes is to increase coconut production sustainably, enhance quality planting material availability, and encourage the integration of coconut farming with allied activities for diversified income. The Board also offers financial support like subsidies for area expansion, replanting, nurseries, processing units, and insurance for coconut palms, targeting farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and entrepreneurs. These agriculture schemes help strengthen the coconut industry’s market reach, including export promotion. The benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process are clearly defined to assist stakeholders engaged in the coconut sector across India. The schemes play a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of millions dependent on coconut farming and related industries.

Overview of the Scheme

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes are launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. CDB is a statutory body established in 1981 under the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979, to promote the integrated development of coconut cultivation, processing, marketing, and export across India. The Board’s headquarters is in Kochi, Kerala, with regional offices and state centers in major coconut-growing states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Odisha, and Maharashtra. The schemes are implemented in close coordination with state agriculture and horticulture departments.

The funding pattern for CDB schemes typically involves central government support with some schemes operating on a 100% central funding basis, while others follow a central-to-state sharing ratio, often 60:40 or as specified. The schemes cover a wide range of components including supply of quality planting materials, coconut palm insurance, replanting and rejuvenation of coconut gardens, subsidized establishment of coconut nurseries, processing and value addition units, training programs, credit assistance, and export promotion.

Currently, the schemes are ongoing and periodically revamped, with the latest revisions and launches enhancing financial support and technical assistance for farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and entrepreneurs. For example, the establishment of Demonstration cum Seed Production farms helps farmers access quality seedlings, directly contributing to increased productivity.

Key points of Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes:

• Launched by Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture
• Implemented with State Agriculture/Horticulture Departments
• Funding: Mixed pattern (100% central or 60:40 central:state)
• Coverage: Planting materials, nurseries, insurance, processing, training, credit, export promotion
• Current status: Active, revamped regularly for enhanced support
• Target beneficiaries: Farmers, SHGs, FPOs, entrepreneurs

Objectives 

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes have clear objectives designed to boost the coconut sector in India through focused support to farmers and stakeholders. These objectives guide the agriculture scheme’s purpose and goals to improve production, quality, and income from coconut cultivation.

Key objectives of the Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes include:

• Increase coconut productivity by promoting removal of old, unproductive palms and encouraging scientific management of coconut farms.
• Expand the area under coconut cultivation by providing financial assistance and technology support to small and marginal farmers.
• Enhance production and distribution of quality planting materials, including hybrid varieties, to ensure healthy plantations.
• Promote coconut-based product diversification and value addition through infrastructure development and financial aid for processing units.
• Support training, awareness, and extension activities to spread better farming, pest management, and processing techniques.
• Develop market information systems for better domestic and export market access by gathering data and disseminating it to growers and entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate integrated farming and community-based cluster approaches to increase productivity and promote farm-level processing.
• Encourage adoption of coconut palm insurance schemes to protect growers against crop loss risks.

Key Features / Benefits 

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes offer many valuable benefits and features aimed at supporting coconut farmers and related stakeholders across India. These features help improve productivity, protect crops, and encourage value addition to coconut products.

• Subsidy for Coconut Plantation Expansion

Farmers receive financial help to plant new coconut trees or expand plantations. For example, a farmer can get Rs. 8,000 per hectare in two installments to encourage new planting of coconut palms.

• Assistance for Quality Seedlings and Nurseries

The scheme supports the production and supply of high-yield, disease-free coconut seedlings. This ensures healthier palms and better yields for farmers.

• Coconut Palm Insurance

Farmers can enroll their coconut trees in insurance schemes protecting against natural disasters like droughts, floods, or storms, reducing financial risks.

• Support for Replanting and Rejuvenation

Financial assistance helps replace old, unproductive coconut palms with new ones, improving long-term productivity and income.

• Subsidies for Processing and Value Addition Units

Entrepreneurs and farmers get subsidies to set up coconut product processing units like oil extraction and desiccated coconut production, increasing income opportunities.

• Training and Capacity Building

Farmers and SHGs receive training on modern farming, pest control, and product diversification to improve skills and productivity.

• Promotion of Integrated Farming

The scheme encourages combining coconut cultivation with other crops or livestock to optimize farm income and resource use.

• Export Promotion and Market Development

CDB assists exporters by funding participation in trade fairs and helping access new markets globally, boosting the coconut economy.

• Specific Benefits for Vulnerable Groups

Some components include special provisions for small, marginal farmers, women, or farmers from Northeastern and Himalayan states.

Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes vary based on the type of beneficiary, ensuring that support reaches the right groups involved in coconut farming and related businesses. These clear criteria help applicants understand who can apply and prepare necessary documents.

Farmers: Individual coconut farmers owning private land can apply if they plan to take up a minimum of 0.06 hectares for new coconut planting or grow at least 10 seedlings. The farmer must provide proof of land ownership and residency. Age or specific ID documents like Aadhaar are required to verify identity and eligibility. These rules ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the subsidies.

Self Help Groups (SHGs): Registered SHGs with active status and a bank linkage are eligible to apply, facilitating group farming or processing activities. Formal registration helps verify their existence and accountability.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): FPOs registered under the Producer Companies Act with a minimum number of members and active farming/processing operations can apply. This ensures structured and effectively functioning groups receive assistance.

Entrepreneurs/Startups/MSMEs: Eligible entities must have valid registrations such as UDYAM, GST certificates, or other necessary licenses required for starting processing units or business ventures in the coconut sector.

Special Categories: Certain benefits are extended to vulnerable groups like women, SC/ST farmers, and those from Northeastern or Himalayan states per official guidelines.

Not Eligible: Unhealthy or senile palms are excluded from plantation-based support. Duplicate benefits for the same activity or entity are not allowed.

Mandatory Documents: Applicants need to submit ID proofs (Aadhaar), land records for farmers, registration certificates for SHGs/FPOs/MSMEs, bank passbooks, detailed project reports (DPR), and quotations for machinery or inputs as specified. These documents ensure transparency and proper utilization of funds.

This eligibility framework under Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes clearly defines who can apply and what is needed to benefit from this agriculture scheme, helping maintain fairness and effective support distribution.

Application Process

• Where to Apply:

Apply online through the Coconut Development Board’s official portal at https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/application-forms-for-various-coconut-development-board-schemes. Offline applications can be submitted at the nearest State Agriculture Department office or Coconut Development Board regional office.

• Registration/Login:

Create an account on the CDB portal by providing basic details like name, address, contact info, and establishing a secure login ID and password. Returning users can log in using their credentials.

• Filling the Application Form:

Complete the online application form by entering beneficiary details (name, address, ID proof), land or farm details (size, location, ownership proof), project or scheme component selection (e.g., planting material subsidy, processing unit), and bank details for fund transfers.

• Uploading Documents:

Upload necessary documents such as Aadhaar card, land ownership document, bank passbook copy, registration certificates (if applicable for SHGs, FPOs, entrepreneurs), project report or quotations for machinery, and any other scheme-specific papers.

• Application Fees:

Most CDB schemes do not charge an application fee. Verify on the portal if any scheme requires a fee and pay online if applicable.

• Acknowledgment and Application ID:

After submission, receive an acknowledgment slip or application number for future reference and tracking.

• Verification and Inspection:

Officials may conduct a field inspection or verify documents for eligibility and project feasibility, especially for large grants or processing units.

• Approval and Assistance Release:

Upon approval, assistance is usually released through direct benefit transfer (DBT) to the bank account provided by the applicant. Timelines vary by scheme but typically range from a few weeks to a few months.

• Offline Application Option:

Applicants can also submit forms at local Agriculture or Horticulture offices, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ATMA offices, or block-level agriculture offices. These centers assist with form filling and document verification.

• Helpline Support:

For help, applicants may contact the Coconut Development Board office at Kochi or regional offices. Official email: cdbkochi@gmail.com. Check the website for updated phone numbers.

Tips for a Successful Application:

• Ensure name and bank details exactly match official IDs to avoid delays.
• Upload clear, valid documents only; avoid blurry scans.
• Submit applications before deadlines to prevent rejection.
• Retain acknowledgment/app ID to track application status.

Challenges or Limitations 

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes face some common challenges and limitations during implementation. Recognizing these helps applicants and officials work better towards smooth execution and improved impact.

Challenge: Delays in Verification and Approval

Verification of land ownership, documents, and field inspections can take time, causing delays.

What to Do: Keep all land records, IDs, and registration certificates updated and ready to speed up verification.

Challenge: Seasonal Window for Plantation and Rejuvenation

Coconut planting and rejuvenation activities depend on favorable seasons. Missing these windows affects success.

What to Do: Plan applications and activities according to the recommended planting seasons communicated by CDB or state agriculture departments.

Challenge: Limited Budget and Fund Allocation

At times, funding requests exceed available budgets, leading to reduced or phased support.

What to Do: Submit well-prepared proposals early and prioritize critical activities to increase chances of timely assistance.

Challenge: Document Mismatch or Incomplete Submissions

Incorrect or missing documents often lead to application rejection or delays.

What to Do: Double-check all required documents (Aadhaar, land records, bank details) before submission and follow official checklists.

Challenge: Fragmented Smallholder Farming Structure

Many smallholders cultivate coconut on tiny plots, complicating uniform scheme benefits distribution.

What to Do: Form or join SHGs/FPOs to access group benefits and collective support more easily.

Challenge: Awareness Gaps among Farmers

Some farmers may lack full knowledge about scheme benefits or application procedures.

What to Do: Attend CDB or state extension training programs and use official websites or helplines for guidance.

Challenge: Quality Control and Compliance for Processing Units

Financial support is linked to quality standards; non-compliance can lead to denial or recovery of grants.

What to Do: Maintain required quality practices and documentation; seek CDB technical guidance when setting up units.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes connect closely with other major agriculture and horticulture missions to provide integrated support for coconut farmers and allied industries. Officially, CDB works under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and is part of the broader Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Under MIDH, CDB receives 100% central funding for its programmes in all states and union territories, including the Northeast and Himalayan regions, ensuring focused financial support for coconut development.

This convergence allows farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to access multiple benefits from allied schemes like PMFME (Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) for processing units, PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) for crop insurance, and ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) for training and extension services. For example, a coconut farmer starting a value-added product unit under CDB schemes can also get trained through ATMA programs and may use PMFBY insurance to protect palm crops, creating a well-rounded support system.

Recently, the CDB schemes were revised in 2025, with increased subsidies (e.g., Area Expansion subsidy raised from Rs. 6,500 to Rs. 56,000 per hectare) and enhanced budget allocation to promote integrated production, processing, marketing, and exports. This update reflects the government’s commitment to a sustainable and climate-resilient coconut economy.

Key points on linkage and future plans:

• CDB schemes are fully integrated under MIDH, ensuring coordinated horticulture development.
• Facilitate combined use of crop insurance, processing grants, and training schemes.
• Recent policy updates in 2025 increased financial assistance and broadened scheme coverage.
• Future focus on skill development, product diversification, and export growth.

Conclusion 

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) Schemes play a vital role in supporting coconut farmers, entrepreneurs, and related organizations by providing financial assistance, training, and infrastructure to improve coconut cultivation and processing. These schemes benefit small, marginal, and large-scale farmers alike by increasing productivity, encouraging quality planting materials, and promoting value-added products. To make the most of these benefits, it is important for interested applicants to check their eligibility on the official Coconut Development Board portal, prepare necessary documents, and consult local agriculture offices or regional CDB centers for guidance. Always verify the latest scheme updates and application procedures on the official website or helpline to stay informed.

Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.