Patna: The Bihar government has announced a new subsidy scheme to promote papaya farming in 22 districts of the state, offering farmers financial support of up to Rs 45,000 per hectare. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen horticulture and improve farm incomes in the region.
The scheme will be implemented under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for a period of two years, from the financial year 2025–26 to 2026–27. Officials said the primary objective is to expand the area under papaya cultivation, increase production and productivity, and ensure better returns for farmers.
Under the Papaya Area Expansion Scheme, the total unit cost of cultivation has been fixed at Rs 75,000 per hectare. Farmers will receive a 40% subsidy from the central government and an additional 20% top-up from the state government, taking the total subsidy to 60%. The amount will be released in two instalments, with Rs 27,000 paid in the first year and Rs 18,000 in the second.
The scheme also lays down technical guidelines for cultivation. Papaya saplings will be planted at a distance of 2.2 metres, requiring around 2,500 plants per hectare. Farmers owning land between 0.25 acre (0.1 hectare) and 5 acres (2 hectares) will be eligible to apply.
The programme will be rolled out in Bhojpur, Buxar, Gopalganj, Jehanabad, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Katihar, Khagaria, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, West Champaran, Patna, East Champaran, Purnia, Saharsa, Samastipur, Madhubani and Vaishali districts.
Agriculture minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the initiative would give a new direction to Bihar’s horticulture sector. He added that the scheme is expected to improve productivity, increase output and bring a noticeable rise in farmers’ incomes across the state.
