Support for High-Value Agriculture (coconut, sandalwood, cashew, cocoa, nuts)

This is a new scheme in 2026-27, with ₹350 crore allocated. It supports the production, processing and export competitiveness of five high-value crops:

• coconut
• sandalwood
• cashew
• cocoa
• nuts

Why these crops

All five are long-gestation, high-value crops where India has suitable growing conditions and an export market, and where the margin sits in processing rather than in selling the raw product. Raw cashew shipped out and processed abroad earns the grower a fraction of what processed kernel earns.

The inclusion of export competitiveness alongside production is the distinguishing feature — it is aimed at the processing and quality end, not only at planting more area.

As a brand new scheme, its components, assistance rates and the states where it will operate are not yet published in the sources available here. Confirm with your state horticulture department or the relevant commodity board before planning around it.

• Support for production of coconut, sandalwood, cashew, cocoa and nuts.
• Support for processing, which is where most of the value in these crops is added.
• Support for export competitiveness — quality, standards and market access.

For established, well-defined support on coconut and cashew today, also ask about MIDH, which covers both crops and has published components and rates, and about the Coconut Development Board.

• Farmers and growers of the five named crops.
• Detailed eligibility will be set out in the scheme guidelines. Confirm locally before committing.

• New scheme; components and rates not yet published in the available official sources.
• These are long-gestation crops. Sandalwood in particular takes many years to maturity and is subject to specific state laws on growing, felling and transport. Check the legal position in your state before planting it — this is not a crop to take up on the strength of a subsidy announcement.

How to apply

1. Ask your state horticulture department what has been operationalised under this scheme.
2. For coconut, contact the Coconut Development Board, which is the established central agency for the crop.
3. For an investment you want to make now, ask about MIDH components for coconut, cashew and cocoa, which are already operational.
4. For sandalwood, ask your state forest department about the rules on growing, felling and transporting it before you plant.

Coconut Development Board official website

• Land record
• Project or planting plan with costings
• Aadhaar and bank account details