Patna: Sugarcane farmers in Bihar are set to benefit from a major boost in agricultural support, as the state government launched an online portal to facilitate applications under the newly initiated Sugarcane Mechanization Scheme. The scheme, backed by a subsidy outlay of Rs 10 crore for the 2025–26 financial year, aims to cut cultivation costs and enhance farmers’ income.
Speaking at the launch event on Tuesday, the state’s Sugarcane Industry Minister, Krishnanandan Paswan said the initiative would pave the way for modernising sugarcane farming through mechanised cultivation and seed treatment. “The scheme is designed to help farmers adopt scientific methods and reduce manual labour, while also aiding in the control of pests and weeds,” he said.
Farmers across Bihar can now apply for subsidies on up to three agricultural machines used in various stages from field preparation to harvesting through the departmental Cane Care portal (https://ccs.bihar.gov.in or https://sugarcanemech.bihar.gov.in). Applications must be submitted using the 13-digit DBT number. A total of 33 types of equipment are eligible under the scheme for individual farmers, with further provision made for group equipment banks under three categories.
Subsidies will be allocated through an online lottery system. Selected farmers will have 14 days from receipt of the acceptance letter to purchase equipment from registered sellers, paying their share online after deduction of the subsidy.
Department Secretary B Karthikeya Dhanji, Sugarcane Commissioner Anil Kumar Jha, and senior officials including Mahendra Pratap Singh and Jai Prakash Narayan Singh attended the launch alongside technical experts from NIC Patna.
