Patna: The Bihar government has announced a subsidy programme to encourage investment in agricultural processing industries, offering financial support for projects ranging from makhana and honey to fruits, vegetables and maize.
Under the Bihar Agriculture Investment Promotion Policy, projects with an investment size between Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 5 crore will be eligible for capital subsidies. The scheme is intended to strengthen value addition in agriculture and create employment opportunities across the state.
The policy is open to individual entrepreneurs as well as partnership firms, limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and farmer-producer companies (FPCs). Officials say the initiative is designed to attract small and medium investors into processing activities that can improve farmers’ incomes and reduce post-harvest losses.
To qualify for the subsidy, at least 20% of the total project cost must be financed through term loans from banks or recognised financial institutions, linking the incentive to formal credit channels.
The scheme also includes additional benefits for socially and economically marginalised groups. Investors from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Extremely Backward Classes are eligible for an extra 5% capital subsidy, while women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, acid attack survivors, war widows and members of the transgender community can receive an additional 2%.
Applicants must either own land for the project or hold a registered lease valid for a minimum of 30 years, along with the required land-use approvals from competent authorities.
The government expects the policy to accelerate the growth of agri-based industries in Bihar, support inclusive development and contribute to job creation in rural areas.
