DBT Bureau
Pune, 2 Sep 2025
The Coffee Board of India has invited Coffee Grower Associations and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for setting up Community Coffee Quality Centres (CCQC) in coffee-growing regions. The initiative is part of the Participatory Quality Improvement Program, which aims to improve the quality of Indian coffee and promote it in specialty and premium markets.
The proposed centres will help farmers process and evaluate their coffee beans to meet global quality standards. Each CCQC will include modern facilities such as mini wet mills, fermentation tanks, solar dryers, dry milling units, storage space, roasting and cupping labs, and training rooms. These centres will be community-owned and maintained by Associations or FPOs, with technical support from the Coffee Board.
To be eligible, Associations or FPOs must provide at least 2 acres of land, either owned or leased. They also need to contribute to the cost of infrastructure and equipment. The Coffee Board will cover 50% of infrastructure costs and 90% of equipment costs, while Associations/FPOs will handle maintenance and manpower.
Each centre must appoint two trained staff members and involve the local community by training growers as hobby cuppers. Associations should also submit 100 samples every year for quality evaluation.
The EOI must include a governing body resolution, land details, organization profile, and a plan for financial sustainability. Proposals should be sent to the Coffee Board in Bengaluru by 15th September 2025 via email to hdqccoffeeboard@gmail.com or hdqc.coffeeboard@nic.in.
This program is expected to boost coffee quality, increase farmer incomes, encourage specialty coffee production, and create sustainable livelihoods for small growers across India.
