Patna: The Bihar Government is encouraging sustainable agriculture through the Bihar State Organic Farming Mission, offering attractive subsidies to farmers to reduce input costs, improve soil health, and increase income. Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav emphasized that organic farming can protect the environment, enhance crop productivity, and ensure long-term sustainability in the state.
Mission Focus: Sustainable and Profitable Agriculture
The Organic Farming Mission aims to strengthen Bihar’s agricultural system by promoting eco-friendly farming practices. Under the mission, the government is running multiple schemes, including:
- Permanent Vermicompost Peat Units
- Cow Dung/Biogas Units
- Commercial Vermicompost Units
Minister Yadav highlighted that reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and adopting organic alternatives will preserve soil fertility, safeguard human and animal health, and protect the environment. Organic farming also reduces crop costs, increases yields, and boosts farmers’ incomes.
Read also: Bihar Filaria Elimination Drive: Over 1.2 Crore People Take Anti-Filaria Medicine
Subsidies and Benefits
Applications for these schemes are processed through an online DBT portal on a “first-come, first-served” basis to ensure transparency and quick disbursal. Key benefits include:
Permanent Vermicompost Peat Unit
- Maximum 3 units per beneficiary
- Total cost per unit: ₹10,000
- Subsidy: 50% or ₹5,000, whichever is lower
Cow Dung/Biogas Unit
- 1 unit per beneficiary
- Total cost per unit: ₹42,000
- Subsidy: 50% or ₹21,000, plus ₹1,500 turnkey assistance
Commercial Vermicompost Unit
- Units of 1,000 MT, 2,000 MT, and 3,000 MT capacity
- Total cost: ₹16 lakh, ₹32 lakh, and ₹50 lakh respectively
- Subsidy: 40% or maximum ₹6.40 lakh, ₹12.80 lakh, and ₹20 lakh per unit, whichever is lower
Call to Action for Farmers
The Agriculture Department has urged farmers to take full advantage of these schemes to promote environmental conservation, improve soil fertility, and enhance their income. Minister Yadav also emphasized that organic farming is not just an initiative but a movement to make Bihar’s agriculture more sustainable and profitable.
