Patna: Farmers in Bihar are set to benefit from new subsidies under the centrally sponsored Vegetable and Spices Scheme, aimed at boosting cultivation of tomato, chili, garlic, and strawberries. The scheme seeks to increase productivity, expand the cultivation area, and ensure farmers get fair market prices.
Tomato, Chili, and Garlic Cultivation Subsidy
Under the scheme, farmers will be allowed to cultivate tomatoes, chilies, and garlic in groups. Each group must have at least three farmers and will be allotted six hectares for cultivation.
The cost of tomato and chili cultivation has been fixed at ₹60,000 per hectare, while garlic cultivation will cost ₹1,00,000 per hectare. Farmers will receive a 50% subsidy, distributed in two installments in a 60:40 ratio. A maximum of two hectares per farmer family is allowed under the scheme.
Hybrid seeds of recommended tomato and chili varieties for the Rabi season will be provided through the Bihar State Seed Corporation, Patna. Farmers must register on the DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) portal to avail the benefits.
Special Focus on Small and Marginal Farmers
The scheme particularly targets small and marginal farmers, as well as cultivators who grow crops on leased or sharecropped land, ensuring wider participation.
Strawberry Cultivation to Get Boost
Strawberry cultivation will also benefit from the scheme this year. The cost of strawberry cultivation is estimated at ₹7,56,000 per hectare, with a 40% lump-sum subsidy (₹32,400 per hectare), which includes saplings. Each sapling will cost ₹12.50, with recommended spacing of 0.4 x 0.4 meters per hectare.
Strawberry cultivation is expected to yield 20 to 25 tons per hectare.
Subsidy on Strawberry Packaging
In addition to cultivation, subsidies will also cover packaging material. Farmers will receive a 40% subsidy on strawberry containers:
- ₹5.80 subsidy on large containers costing ₹14.50 each.
- ₹1.16 subsidy on small containers costing ₹2.90 each.
A hectare of strawberry cultivation requires about 12,500 small containers and 100,000 large containers. Each large container holds eight small ones, with each small container carrying 200 grams of strawberries.
Minimum and Maximum Cultivation Area Fixed
The scheme will cover strawberry cultivation on a minimum of 0.1 hectare and a maximum of 2 hectares. Beneficiaries will be selected through a lottery system. Subsidy recipients and self-employed strawberry farmers will also receive subsidized packaging containers.
Aim to Boost Farmer Income
Officials said the initiative will not only expand the area under high-value crop cultivation but also improve market access and raise farmers’ income in Bihar.
