Bihar Boosts Agriculture with 75% Subsidy for Banana and Papaya Cultivation

Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Agriculture Minister of the state, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha informed that cultivation of fruit trees is being encouraged in the state under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission. Under this scheme, farmers are being provided subsidy up to 50 percent for cultivation of mango and litchi and up to 75 percent for banana and papaya. This will expand the horticulture sector in the state and farmers will get more benefits from fruit cultivation.

He said that under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, farmers adopting micro irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler are being given subsidy up to 80 percent. This technique not only increases the efficiency of water use, but also improves the quality and productivity of the crop. This scheme will reduce the cost of farming and get more profit. The objective of both these schemes is not only to increase production, but also to double the income of farmers, promote self-employment in rural areas and connect unemployed youth with modern agricultural practices. Along with this, technical training in horticulture and irrigation techniques has also been arranged by the government so that farmers can do farming in scientific ways.

He said that under the Integrated Horticulture Mission, the total cost of cultivation of mango and litchi is Rs 2 lakh per hectare, in which farmers are given a subsidy of 50 percent. The cost of cultivation of banana and papaya is Rs 60 thousand per hectare, in which farmers are given a subsidy of 75 percent.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that horticulture can become an effective medium in empowering farmers economically. Farmers get more profit from the cultivation of fruit trees than traditional crops. The constant demand for fruits in the market, better prices and processing possibilities make horticulture income-enhancing. Modern facilities like grants, technical training and micro irrigation by the government are attracting farmers towards horticulture. This not only increases their income, but also makes conservation of water resources and employment generation possible. Therefore, horticulture can become the key to the economic empowerment of farmers. Through these initiatives, Bihar will be made a leading state in the field of fruit production and export. This step will prove to be helpful in bringing positive change in the lives of farmers.