Bihar Launches Papaya Vikas Yojana: Farmers to Get Rs 45,000 Subsidy

Key Highlights:

• Rs 45,000 per hectare subsidy for papaya cultivation.

• Two-year scheme from FY 2025-26 to 2026-27.

• 22 districts are eligible under Papaya Vikas Yojana.

• 60% subsidy shared by the central and state governments.

• Online application via horticulture.bihar.gov.in.

The Bihar government has approved a new scheme to promote papaya cultivation under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission. The initiative, called Papaya Vikas Yojana, aims to double farmers income and expand papaya cultivation in the state.

Rs 45,000 Subsidy for Papaya Cultivation

Under this scheme, farmers will receive a 60% subsidy on papaya cultivation, up to Rs 45,000 per hectare. The subsidy will be distributed in two installments:

• Rs 27,000 per hectare in the first year

• Rs 18,000 per hectare in the second year

The cost of cultivation per hectare has been fixed at Rs 75,000, with approximately 2,500 papaya plants to be planted per hectare at a spacing of 2.2 metres.

Scheme Duration and Funding

The scheme will run for two years, from FY 2025-26 to 2026-27, with a total budget of over Rs 1.50 crore. For 2025-26, the government has allowed withdrawal and expenditure of Rs 90.45 lakh.

The subsidy will be jointly funded by the Central and State Governments, with both contributing 40% each, and an additional 20% top-up subsidy coming from the State Plan fund.

Eligible Districts

The scheme will be implemented in 22 districts known for papaya cultivation potential, including:
Bhojpur, Buxar, Gopalganj, Jehanabad, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Katihar, Khagaria, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, West Champaran, Patna, East Champaran, Purnia, Saharsa, Samastipur, Madhubani, and Vaishali.

Application Process

Interested farmers can apply online through the Bihar Horticulture Directorate’s website: horticulture.bihar.gov.in.

Required documents include:

• Land ownership proof

• Aadhaar card

• Bank account details

• Mobile number

• Passport-size photo

Boost for Horticulture in Bihar

Deputy CM and Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said the initiative will help farmers earn regular income and higher profits from papaya cultivation, giving Bihar a new identity in horticulture production.

Also Read: CNH Delivers Record 117 Harvesters and 234 Tractors to Manjra Group

CMV360 Says

The Papaya Vikas Yojana is a big opportunity for Bihar’s farmers. With a 60% subsidy and government support, papaya farming can become a profitable option, increase rural incomes, and promote horticulture-based growth in the state.