Lakhisarai: Bihar government is giving huge economic benefits under ‘Seed Spices Scheme’ with the aim of increasing the income of farmers and encouraging them towards spice crops. By taking advantage of this scheme, farmers can earn more profits at less cost by cultivating spice crops like coriander, fennel, mangrove, celery etc. Under this scheme, farmers cultivating minimum 0.25 acres and maximum 5 acres will be eligible for benefits. The selection process will be done in the ratio of 78.537% in General category, 20% for Scheduled Caste, and 1.463% for Scheduled Tribe, in which participation of 30% women in all categories has been made mandatory.
Coriander and fenugreek will be cultivated in Lakhisarai
District Horticulture Officer Rajiv Ranjan told Local 18 that for the first time in Lakhisarai district, cultivation of coriander and fenugreek has also been included in the scheme. Here the target has been achieved for the cultivation of 10 hectares of Mangarela, 10 hectares of fennel, 10 hectares of celery and 20 hectares of coriander. The soil and climate of the district are considered suitable for spice crops, due to which the interest of farmers towards these crops is increasing rapidly.
How much subsidy will you get?
He further told Local 18 that according to the Horticulture Department, a subsidy of 40% i.e. Rs 20,000 will be given on the purchase of seeds of spice crops assuming a cost of Rs 50,000 per hectare. This grant will go to the DBT linked bank account of the farmers in two installments. The first installment will be Rs 12,000 and the second installment will be Rs 8,000.
What are the necessary documents?
To avail the benefits, it is mandatory for the farmers to submit any one document like land ownership certificate, updated revenue receipt, online receipt, genealogy or legally valid agreement. If the name of the applicant is not clear in the receipt, the genealogy will have to be attached.
What is the application process like?
Interested farmers can apply online on horticulture.bihar.gov.in portal. Applications will be accepted on first come, first served basis. Also, it is mandatory to link the farmer’s bank account to DBT. This scheme is a big opportunity for the farmers of Lakhisarai. Spice crops are ready in a short time and their demand remains constant in the market. In such a situation, farmers can take advantage of this scheme to strengthen their financial position and make farming profitable.
