Patna: Farmers in Bihar can now apply for financial assistance under the state government’s Marigold Flower Production and Processing Scheme, aimed at expanding marigold cultivation and strengthening processing and marketing infrastructure.
The application process, which began on September 15, will remain open until December 31. Under the scheme, financial assistance will be provided for marigold cultivation and processing during both the Rabi and Kharif seasons in 25-hectare clusters.
The unit cost for marigold cultivation has been fixed at Rs 80,000 per hectare. Farmers will receive a 50% subsidy, up to Rs 40,000 per hectare.
An individual farmer can avail of the subsidy for a minimum of 0.1 hectare and a maximum of 2 hectares of land.
Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said the government was focusing on promoting flower cultivation to increase farmers’ income. He said the scheme would help organise marigold cultivation while also supporting transportation and marketing.
Farmers without own land can also apply
Farmers who do not own agricultural land can also benefit from the scheme, provided they have a valid lease agreement for the land being used for cultivation.
Applicants whose names are not clearly mentioned in their land records will be required to submit their genealogy document (Vanshavali) along with their application.
Up to Rs 1.62 lakh subsidy on goods vehicle
The scheme also provides financial assistance for purchasing a goods vehicle to transport marigold flowers to markets.
The maximum eligible vehicle cost has been fixed at Rs 3.25 lakh. A subsidy of up to 50% of the actual vehicle cost or Rs 3.25 lakh, whichever is lower, will be provided.
This means eligible farmers can receive a maximum subsidy of Rs 1,62,500 on the purchase of a goods vehicle.
The vehicle subsidy will be available only to farmers engaged in marigold cultivation.
The scheme is intended to support the entire marigold value chain, from cultivation and processing to transportation and marketing, while encouraging more farmers in Bihar to take up commercial flower cultivation.
