Patna: The Bihar government has introduced a diesel subsidy to reduce irrigation costs for farmers using diesel pump sets during the Kharif season. Farmers can receive ₹750 per acre per irrigation, with the maximum benefit reaching ₹2,250 per acre for eligible crops.
₹750 Subsidy Per Irrigation
The subsidy has been calculated on the basis of 10 litres of diesel required for irrigating one acre. At the rate of ₹75 per litre, farmers will receive ₹750 for each eligible irrigation.
For paddy seedlings and jute, the government will provide up to ₹1,500 per acre for a maximum of two irrigations.
For paddy, maize, pulses, oilseeds, seasonal vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants and other Kharif crops, farmers can claim up to ₹2,250 per acre for three irrigations.
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Applications Open From August 17
Farmers can apply for the subsidy from August 17, 2026. The benefit will be available for a maximum of eight acres per farmer, while only one member of a family can claim the subsidy.
Both raiyat and non-raiyat farmers are eligible.
Raiyat farmers must upload their land revenue receipt with the application. Farmers cultivating land belonging to others will require verification by an authorised local representative, such as a ward member, ward councillor, mukhiya, sarpanch or panchayat samiti member, along with the agriculture coordinator.
Geo-Tagged Photo and Verification Required
The application process includes uploading a geo-tagged photograph of the irrigation activity. The government has specified that only farmers who actually purchase and use diesel for irrigation should apply.
Agriculture coordinators will verify the actual use of diesel for irrigation before the subsidy is processed.
Farmers must purchase diesel from an authorised petrol pump. The valid digital receipt or voucher must carry the last 10 digits of the farmer’s 13-digit registration number.
Thumb Impression Made Mandatory
The Agriculture Department has also made the farmer’s thumb impression on the diesel receipt mandatory.
Diesel purchased from petrol pumps located outside Bihar will not qualify for the subsidy. Farmers can apply for only one irrigation at a time.
The scheme will cover diesel purchased for irrigation up to October 30, 2026.
Support During the Kharif Season
The diesel subsidy is designed to provide immediate financial relief to farmers who depend on diesel-powered pump sets for irrigation.
With irrigation costs adding to the expenses of Kharif cultivation, the support can help farmers manage water requirements for crops while reducing part of their diesel expenditure.
The scheme also combines financial assistance with verification measures, including geo-tagged photographs, digital purchase receipts and field-level checks, to ensure that the subsidy reaches farmers who actually use diesel for irrigation.
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