Bihar’s Subsidy Scheme for Terrace Farming

If you’re interested in enhancing your home and contributing to a healthier environment, this scheme is for you. The Bihar government is currently offering grants of up to Rs 37,500 for this purpose. Given the fast-paced lifestyle many lead today, finding time for traditional gardening can be challenging. As a result, many have turned to rooftop gardening as a viable alternative.

The government has initiated a scheme specifically for individuals who lack sufficient land for horticulture but are keen on gardening on their rooftops. These individuals are eligible for a substantial grant from the Bihar government. This grant is applicable for organic fruits, flowers, and vegetables grown on rooftops. This initiative is known as the ‘Roof Top Gardening Scheme’.

Promoting Horticulture in Bihar

This scheme primarily targets residents of Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur in Bihar. The government’s main objective is to promote horticulture in urban areas. Those practicing horticulture in these cities can avail a subsidy of up to 75%. However, the rooftop area should be approximately 300 square feet.

As per the Agriculture Department of Bihar, the total cost of a farming bed per unit (300 square feet) is around Rs 50,000. The beneficiary will receive a grant of up to Rs 37,500, and the remaining amount of up to Rs 12,500 will need to be covered by them.

In addition, the unit cost of the flower scheme under the rooftop gardening scheme is set at Rs 10,000. The beneficiary will receive a grant of up to Rs 7,500, and the remaining amount of up to Rs 2,500 will need to be covered by them. Any applicant can avail the benefit of a maximum of 5 units. However, this scheme does not extend to institutions.

Learn about which plants are eligible for subsidies-

If you’re interested, you can grow farming beds and potted plants on your terrace. The Bihar government also provides grants for these. - The plants under the farming bed include vegetables like cabbage, carrot, radish, okra, leafy vegetable, pumpkin, eggplant, tomato, and chilli. - Fruits include guava, paper lemon, papaya (Red Lady), mango (Amrapali), pomegranate, and figs. - Medicinal plants include Dhrita Kumari, curry leaves, vasaka, lemon grass, and ashwagandha.

Potted plants-

• Potted plants include 10-inch plants like Basil, Avshragandha, Aloe vera, Stevia, Mint,
• 12-inch plants like Snake plant dacon, mani, rose, moonlight
• 14-inch plants like Erica Palm, Ficus Panda, Adenium, Aparajita, Curry Leaf, Bhutanese Mallika, Starlight Ficus, Tecoma, Allamanda, Vogainvillea and,
• 16-inch plants like Guava, Mango, Lemon, Chipota, Banana, Apple Plum, Rubber Plant, X Mass, Croton, Peacock Plant, Udhul.

If you wish to benefit from this government scheme, you should visit the official website of the Directorate of Horticulture, Agriculture Department, Bihar, where you can apply online.