The Bihar government has launched the Sabji Vikas Yojana to promote vegetable cultivation in the state.
Under this scheme, farmers will get hybrid plant varieties and seeds at subsidized rates.
The goal is to increase the area of vegetable farming across all districts. The Agriculture Department is actively working on implementing this plan.
Bihar’s Contribution to Vegetable Production
Bihar is the fourth largest vegetable-producing state in India. Last year, it produced 179.98 lakh tonnes of vegetables with a productivity of 19.30 tonnes per hectare.
Vegetables were cultivated on 9 lakh hectares. Key crops include potato, onion, brinjal, and cauliflower.
Now, the focus is on expanding the cultivation of other vegetables like broccoli, capsicum, tomato, pumpkin, nenua (ridge gourd), bitter gourd, ladyfinger (okra), green peas, carrot, and beetroot. Farmers will receive a 75% subsidy on vegetable seeds under the scheme.
Due to rising demand, vegetables from Bihar are now being exported to places like Dubai and Nepal, as well as supplied to other Indian cities.
However, farmers are facing challenges like high cultivation costs, labor-intensive farming, lack of cold storage, and proper maintenance, causing many to step back from vegetable farming.
Subsidies, Requirements, and Application Process
Seedlings and Plants Supply
Farmers will get hybrid seedlings from:
Center of Excellence (Vegetables), Chandi, Nalanda
Plug Type Nursery, Bhojpur and Katihar
These include hybrid seedlings of:
Rabi Season: Broccoli, capsicum, tomato, cauliflower, and cabbage
Rabi Seeds (OP/Hybrid): Green pea, carrot, beetroot, brinjal
Summer Season Seeds: Pumpkin, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, ladyfinger, muskmelon, and watermelon
Onion seeds will also be distributed during Rabi season.
Who Can Benefit?
Farmers will receive subsidies from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 for seedlings.
Seed subsidies will be given for vegetable cultivation on 0.25 acre to 2.5 acres.
The scheme is only for residents of Bihar who are engaged in or wish to grow vegetables.
Documents Required
Farmers must submit any one of the following land ownership proofs:
Land Ownership Certificate
Revenue receipt (updated within the last 2 years)
Online updated receipt
Genealogy (if needed)
Agreement (in prescribed format)
If the applicant’s name isn’t clearly mentioned in the land documents, a genealogy must be submitted. Non-landowner farmers (non-rayat) can also benefit using an agreement.
How to Apply?
Visit the official website: horticulture.bihar.gov.in
Go to the Vegetable Development Scheme section
Only registered farmers can apply online
For help, contact the Assistant Director of Garden in your area
