Patna: The Bihar government has started a new scheme called the Paan Vikas Yojana to encourage betel cultivation and improve the income of farmers. Under this programme, farmers from seven districts will get subsidies and training to grow paan with modern methods. The scheme is part of the state’s larger agricultural roadmap, which aims to promote diverse crops and strengthen the rural economy.
According to the Agriculture Department, farmers will receive subsidies between Rs 11,750 and Rs 35,250 depending on the size of their cultivation area. The support is fixed at 50% of the cost, with the total expense for 300 square metres of cultivation estimated at Rs 70,500. This will make it easier for small and marginal farmers to start or expand betel farming without heavy financial pressure.
The government has allocated nearly Rs 5 crore for the scheme for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26. A total of Rs 491.385 lakh will be spent between 2023 and 2026 to provide grants and assistance to farmers engaged in paan production. To maintain transparency, farmers will be selected through an online lottery system. The Agriculture Department’s Directorate of Horticulture will also conduct training sessions and awareness programmes to ensure that farmers learn about modern cultivation techniques.
Experts believe the scheme will give a strong push to Bihar’s famous Magahi paan, which already has a GI (Geographical Indication) tag. They said the decision would help in increasing production, improving quality, and establishing Magahi paan as a brand with recognition in national and international markets. The initiative, they added, combines economic support for farmers with the preservation of Bihar’s cultural identity.
Farmers from Nalanda, Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad, Sheikhpura and Vaishali districts will be able to benefit from the scheme. Officials said that with financial support, training and new opportunities, paan cultivation could become a major source of prosperity for rural families in Bihar.
