In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing farming in Bihar, the state government has launched the Anjeer Fal Vikas Yojana (Fig Fruit Development Scheme) to promote fig cultivation. This scheme will provide farmers with a unique opportunity to diversify their crops, increase income, and contribute to the state’s agricultural growth. The initiative will see the introduction of figs, a high-value cash crop, to the soils of 32 districts in Bihar.
Empowering Farmers with New Income Sources
The Bihar government is taking significant steps to enhance farmers’ income and reduce their dependency on traditional food crops. The Anjeer Fal Vikas Yojana aims to incorporate figs, traditionally grown in Kashmir, into the farming landscape of Bihar. The addition of figs to Bihar’s agricultural repertoire is expected to offer farmers an additional income stream, thus contributing to the goal of doubling farmers’ income in the state.
Subsidy for Fig Cultivation: A Boost to Farmers’ Prosperity
Under the scheme, the Agriculture Department has set the cost of cultivating figs at Rs 1.25 lakh per hectare. To make fig farming more accessible, the state government will provide a 40% subsidy, equivalent to Rs 50,000, per hectare. For the first year (2025-26), farmers will receive an even higher subsidy of Rs 30,000, covering 60% of the cultivation cost.
This financial support will significantly ease the initial burden on farmers, allowing them to invest in modern agricultural practices for fig cultivation without facing major financial constraints.
Expanding Fig Cultivation Across 32 Districts
The Anjeer Fal Vikas Yojana will be implemented in 32 districts across Bihar, with the government’s focus on boosting agricultural diversity. The selected districts include:
- Arwal, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gopalganj, Jehanabad
- Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Saran, Shivhar, Sitamarhi
- Siwan, Supaul, Araria, Aurangabad, Begusarai
- Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Jamui, Khagaria
- Kishanganj, Madhubani, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda
- Patna, Gaya, Rohtas, Purnia, Samastipur
- Vaishali, West Champaran
This large-scale initiative will help transform the agricultural landscape of these districts, creating new opportunities for farmers and strengthening the state’s agricultural sector.
How Farmers Can Apply for the Scheme
Farmers interested in participating in the Anjeer Fal Vikas Yojana can apply online through the official website of the Horticulture Directorate under the Agriculture Department: horticulture.bihar.gov.in. In addition, they can obtain further details and guidance by contacting the District Horticulture Officer in their respective regions.
A New Path for Bihar’s Agricultural Future
Agricultural experts are optimistic about the potential of fig cultivation to uplift Bihar’s farming community. By diversifying into cash crops like figs, farmers can reduce their dependency on traditional food crops and access new markets with high-demand produce. The Anjeer Fal Vikas Yojana not only aims to improve farmers’ financial stability but also aligns with the state’s broader agricultural vision of sustainable growth.
