Patna: The Bihar Government has introduced a special Agricultural Input Subsidy Scheme to support farmers whose crops suffered significant losses due to excessive rainfall, floods, and the recent Montha cyclone. The initiative targets both tenant (raiyat) and non-tenant farmers whose crops have been damaged by 33% or more.
The announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, who emphasized that providing timely financial assistance to farmers affected by natural calamities is a top priority for the state government. He noted that the Agricultural Department has already conducted a detailed survey of the affected areas, which include 39 blocks across 12 districts and 397 panchayats.
Scope of the Scheme
The scheme is designed to offer direct financial relief through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure quick and transparent disbursement. Farmers whose crops were damaged due to natural disasters can apply online for the subsidy.
Minister Yadav outlined the subsidy rates per hectare as follows:
- Rainfed/Unirrigated Crops: ₹8,500 per hectare
- Irrigated Crops: ₹17,000 per hectare
- Perennial/Multi-Year Crops (including sugarcane): ₹22,500 per hectare
The subsidy will be applicable for a maximum of 2 hectares per farmer, with minimum thresholds set at ₹1,000 for rainfed crops, ₹2,000 for irrigated crops, and ₹2,500 for perennial crops. This measure is expected to provide significant relief to small and marginal farmers in the state.
Affected Districts
The scheme covers farmers in the following 12 districts: Begusarai, East Champaran, Kaimur, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Gaya, Bhojpur, Madhepura, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Shivhar, and Supaul. All eligible farmers from these districts are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
Application Deadline and Process
Farmers willing to avail themselves of the scheme must submit their applications online by December 2, 2025, through the official website of the Bihar Agriculture Department. The DBT facility will ensure that the subsidy is directly transferred to the farmers’ bank accounts, reducing delays and administrative hurdles.
Minister Yadav reiterated that the scheme demonstrates the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers in times of distress and providing them with financial stability to recover from crop losses.
Relief for Small and Marginal Farmers
With clearly defined minimum and maximum subsidy limits, the scheme is particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers, who often bear the brunt of natural disasters. The initiative aims to restore economic stability, sustain agricultural productivity, and prevent distress migration among farmers in the affected districts.
The Bihar government’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to agriculture, rural development, and disaster management, ensuring that farmers receive timely assistance and resources to rebuild their livelihoods.
Read also: Bihar to Train Jeevika Didis as Pink Bus Drivers, Marking a Major Leap in Women’s Empowerment
