Agriculture Minister reviews Farming Bed Scheme to promote rooftop cultivation in urban areas

Patna: The Bihar government has launched a new scheme to encourage urban residents to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and flowers on their rooftops. The “Farming Bed” scheme, which will initially be implemented in Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur, aims to promote urban agriculture and enhance food security.

Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey reviewed the scheme during a meeting at Krishi Bhawan in Mithapur. He emphasized the importance of disseminating information about the scheme to a wide audience, ensuring easy access to pots and plants at affordable prices.

The scheme is available to individuals who own houses or apartments with at least 300 square feet of rooftop space. Residents of apartments must obtain a no-objection certificate from their registered society.

The government will provide a 75% subsidy, covering Rs 36,430.50 of the total cost of Rs 48,574 per unit. Beneficiaries will be responsible for the remaining Rs 12,143.50.

During the review meeting, the Agriculture Minister also assessed the progress of several other schemes, including the Tubewell Scheme, Seed Spices and Drumstick Scheme, and the Vegetable Development Scheme.

He inquired about the implementation of the Bihar State Organic Mission initiatives, such as the Climate Friendly Agriculture Program, the recently launched Drone Didi Scheme, Rain-Based Agriculture Schemes, and Plant Protection and Inputs.

The Minister directed officials to expedite the implementation of the Private Irrigation Well Construction Scheme, the Prime Minister Agriculture Scheme, and other welfare agriculture schemes.

Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Agarwal, State Seed Corporation MD Alok Ranjan Ghosh, Special Secretary Virendra Yadav, and Apte Secretary Amitabh Singh were also present during the meeting.