Bihar government has approved the Seed Development Scheme and Sugarcane Mechanisation Scheme for the financial year 2026–27. The initiatives are aimed at reducing cultivation costs, promoting the production of quality sugarcane seed, and increasing farm productivity. Under the new schemes, farmers producing certified and verified sugarcane seed will receive financial assistance, while incentives will also be provided for adopting modern cultivation practices. The government expects these measures to improve sugar recovery, strengthen the sugar industry, and enhance farmers’ incomes.
The Seed Development Scheme, farmers producing high-quality verified sugarcane seed will be eligible for direct subsidies. General category farmers will receive ₹260 per quintal for verified seed production. Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers will receive a higher subsidy of ₹310 per quintal. Additionally, financial assistance of up to ₹70,000 per hectare will be provided for foundation seed production, encouraging farmers to produce quality planting material.
The state government has also introduced incentives to promote breeder seed production. The programme will be implemented through the Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa, and the Motipur Centre of the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR), Lucknow. A financial incentive of up to ₹2.5 lakh per hectare has been approved for breeder seed production. The government has indicated that the area under seed production may be expanded if farmer participation increases.
To modernise sugarcane farming and improve input efficiency, the government is promoting Single Bud Technology. This technique requires significantly less seed material while ensuring healthy crop establishment, thereby reducing cultivation costs and improving productivity. Farmers adopting this technology will be eligible for a special subsidy of up to ₹15,000 per acre. Moreover, verified seed will now receive subsidy benefits similar to certified seed, encouraging wider adoption of quality planting material.
Online Application and Direct Benefit Transfer:
Farmers wishing to avail themselves of the subsidy under the Seed Development Scheme will be required to apply online through the Cane Care Portal. After departmental verification, the approved subsidy amount will be transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and timely payments.
Expected to Strengthen Productivity and the Sugar Industry:
According to the Sugarcane Industry Department, the new schemes are expected to significantly improve sugarcane productivity, increase sugar recovery rates, and enhance farmers' profitability across Bihar. The promotion of quality seed, modern cultivation technologies, and mechanisation is also expected to ensure a steady supply of high-quality cane to sugar mills, strengthening the state's sugar value chain and supporting long-term growth in the sector.
FAQs:
1. What is the Bihar Seed Development Scheme 2026–27?
The Bihar Seed Development Scheme 2026–27 provides subsidies for producing verified and certified sugarcane seed to improve productivity and reduce cultivation costs.
2. How much subsidy is available for verified sugarcane seed production?
General category farmers will receive ₹260 per quintal, while SC/ST farmers will receive ₹310 per quintal for verified sugarcane seed production.
3. What is the subsidy for Single Bud Technology?
Farmers adopting Single Bud Technology can receive financial assistance of up to ₹15,000 per acre.
4. How can farmers apply for the Bihar Seed Development Scheme 2026–27?
Farmers can apply online through the Cane Care Portal, and the approved subsidy will be transferred through the DBT system.
5. What are the benefits of the Sugarcane Mechanisation Scheme 2026–27?
The scheme promotes mechanised farming, reduces cultivation costs, improves productivity, increases sugar recovery, and supports higher farmer income across Bihar.
