Since 1990 the Coffee Board of India (CBI) has initiated various research and extension programmes to combat the pest problem of the coffee berry borer (CBB) (Hypothenemus hampei, Coleoptera, Scolytidae). As additional financial support w a s required to carry out the new programmes, the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, was approached forspecific projects under the CBI’s Plan. Thus the first project cleared by the Ministry was a scheme to provide pesticide and plant protection equipment to the smallholder growers, which was launched during November 1991. Under this project, pesticide and sprayers were supplied to smallholder growers at subsidized rates