Patna: The Bihar Government, through its Agriculture Department, has approved a financial outlay of ₹22.25 crore for the “Special Intervention Scheme” under the fourth Agricultural Roadmap 2024-25. The initiative aims to increase farmers’ income, reduce post-harvest losses, and provide essential support to fruit and vegetable producers across the state.
Under this scheme, farmers will receive subsidies for plastic crates, leno bags, and fruit trap bags. These interventions are expected to significantly reduce wastage of perishable produce and improve the efficiency of transportation and storage. While plastic crates and leno bags will be made available to all fruit and vegetable farmers across Bihar’s 38 districts, fruit trap bags will specifically target banana producers.
Subsidy Details and Allocation
The cost per unit for the subsidized items has been fixed as follows:
- Plastic Crates: ₹400 per unit
- Leno Bags: ₹20 per unit
- Fruit Trap Bags: ₹30 per unit
The subsidy rate under the scheme is substantial: farmers will receive 80% subsidy for plastic crates and leno bags, and 50% for fruit trap bags, based on either the last year’s approved unit cost or the e-tendered current financial year rate, whichever is lower.
Each farmer can avail the following quantity limits:
- Plastic Crates: 10–50 units per farmer
- Leno Bags: 100–1,000 units per farmer
- Fruit Trap Bags: 300–10,000 units per farmer
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Eligibility and Application Process
The scheme is open only to permanent residents of Bihar. Farmers must be registered on the Agriculture Department’s DBT portal (http://dbtagriculture.bihar.gov.in) to avail benefits. Those who have already received benefits under this scheme in the last three years will not be eligible.
Applicants must submit valid legal documents, including land ownership certificates, updated two-year land revenue receipts, online updated receipts, family lineage records, or affidavits as per the prescribed forms, along with a passport-sized photograph. Interested farmers can apply through the Bihar Krishi App, making the process streamlined and accessible.
Government Focus on Crop Preservation and Farmer Welfare
Through this initiative, the Bihar Government aims to enhance post-harvest management practices and minimize wastage of fruits and vegetables, thereby improving the livelihood of farmers. By providing high-quality packaging materials at subsidized rates, the scheme not only encourages better storage and transport but also supports the state’s broader agricultural development goals.
