As a major step towards assisting agriculture and increasing the income of the farmers, the government of Bihar has implemented a subsidy program on the production of tomatoes, chilli, and garlic. In a model that will help farmers produce high-value crops of high quality and enable better production and better profitability, farmers in 26 districts of Bihar now have the opportunity to seek financial aid to cultivate these products under a cluster-based model.
The scheme is aimed at supporting small and medium farmers who usually find it difficult to find quality seeds, fertilizer, and other materials to farm vegetables and spices. Each cluster under the program covers 6 hectares, and the program has at least three farmers. This cooperative method assists farmers in sharing resources, embracing modern methods of cultivation and having superior control of crops.
The government specifies that the tomato and chilli cultivation subsidy is fixed at 60,000/ha, and farmers are entitled to 50 per cent of the amount in the form of financial aid. In the case of garlic production, the cost per hectare is 100,000 rupees, and the subsidy also takes 50 per cent of the costs, therefore, making it cheaper to buy good-quality seeds and fertilizers. The disbursement of the subsidy is done through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in either cash or kind, which is very transparent and timely.
The cluster-based model also focuses on accountability and verification. In the case of garlic, the subsidy is given in two parts: the first part of 60 per cent after buying the planting material and inputs and the second part is 40 per cent after a physical verification after the cultivation. This will guarantee that funds are well utilized and best practices followed in farming.
The officials think that through this subsidy program, crop diversification will be encouraged in Bihar, where farmers will no longer be dependent on the conventional cereal crops but will earn more money. Having concentrated on tomato, chilli, and garlic that are sold at great demand both locally and nationally, the government plans to boost the agricultural sector and generate sustainable livelihoods in the countryside.
The scheme requires the registration of farmers willing to participate in the scheme by the Bihar agriculture or horticulture department, and also organize themselves in groups in order to be eligible. The important conditions of successful release of the subsidy are the adoption of quality seeds, the correct methods of cultivation and timelines verification.
This project will have profound implications for the agricultural sector of Bihar. Productivity will be improved, there will be promotion of modern farming methods and better returns to the farmers. This support will make more farmers move to vegetable and spice production, which will lead to the overall development and stability of the state’s agricultural economy.
