Under the scheme implemented by the Bihar Agriculture Department, financial assistance will be provided to farmers for improving the condition and productivity of ageing fruit orchards. The initiative specifically covers old mango and litchi orchards that require renovation through pruning, canopy management and nutrient management.
The government will provide a 40% subsidy on the prescribed expenditure for eligible activities. Depending on the work undertaken, farmers can receive financial assistance of up to Rs 20,000 per unit.
For branch pruning and canopy management, the prescribed expenditure is Rs 10,000 per unit. The government will provide 40% of this amount, equivalent to Rs 4,000 per unit, as a subsidy.
Nutrient management is another activity covered under the scheme. The estimated cost for this component is Rs 40,000 per unit, of which the government will provide Rs 16,000 per unit as financial assistance, representing a 40% subsidy.
The scheme is being implemented in 19 districts of Bihar. These include Banka, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, Katihar, Khagaria, Madhubani, Munger, Muzaffarpur, West Champaran, Patna, East Champaran, Purnia, Saharsa, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Supaul and Vaishali.
Farmers from these districts whose old mango and litchi orchards require rejuvenation can apply online through the Bihar Horticulture Department's official portal at https://horticulture.bihar.gov.in/.
To apply, farmers need to visit the portal's homepage and select the option titled 'Apply for Benefits of Schemes'. They must then click on 'Apply' next to the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission Scheme.
Applicants are required to read the scheme's key details carefully, provide their consent by clicking on the Consent option and proceed with the application. They must select their applicant category, choosing either an individual applicant or a registered group, depending on their status.
After selecting the category, applicants need to enter their DBT registration number and retrieve their details. Once their information appears, they must fill in the required details about their orchard and submit the application form.
Through this scheme, the Bihar government is extending financial support for the renovation and management of old mango and litchi orchards, with eligible farmers in 19 districts able to claim assistance against the prescribed costs of the covered activities.
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