Kharif Onion Farming Gets a Boost in Bihar: 75% Seed Subsidy for Farmers in 18 Districts

To promote onion cultivation during the monsoon season, the Bihar government has launched a Kharif Onion Area Expansion Scheme across 18 districts. This initiative aims to increase onion production while providing technical and financial assistance to farmers.

Scheme Coverage across 18 Districts:

The scheme will be implemented in the following districts: Banka, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, Gopalganj, Lakhisarai, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Patna, Rohtas, Samastipur, Saran, Sheikhpura, Sitamarhi, Siwan, and Vaishali.

Seed Subsidy and Support Details:

1. Farmers can avail of the scheme for a minimum of 0.25 acre (0.1 hectare) and up to 5 acres (2 hectares).
2. Onion cultivation requires 10 kg of seed per hectare.
3. Seeds will be provided either at the fixed rate of ₹2,450 per kg or the actual market rate, whichever is lower.
4. The estimated cost per hectare is ₹24,500, out of which 75% (₹18,375) will be provided as subsidy to eligible farmers.
5. Seed availability will be ensured through the Bihar State Seed Corporation in all participating districts.

Eligibility and Required Documents:

1. Farmers must provide any one of the following valid documents as proof of land ownership:
2. Updated revenue receipt (from the last two years)
3. Online revenue receipt
4. Land ownership certificate
5. Family lineage certificate
6. Valid agreement (Ekraarnama) in the prescribed format
7. In case the applicant’s name is not clearly mentioned in the land records, a family lineage certificate must be attached. Non-landholding farmers can also apply using a valid agreement (Ekraarnama).

Application and Payment Process:

1. Farmers are advised to verify their DBT-registered mobile number and bank account details before applying.
2. The subsidy will be disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through the CFMS system, either in cash or in kind.
3. Farmers can apply online by visiting the official Horticulture Department website: https://horticulture.bihar.gov.in

Reservation-Based Beneficiary Selection:

1. 78.537% for General category
2. 20% for Scheduled Castes (SC)
3. 1.463% for Scheduled Tribes (ST)
4. Additionally, 30% of beneficiaries in each category will be women

Conclusion: This initiative is a step forward in supporting sustainable Kharif onion production in Bihar. By offering substantial seed subsidies and a streamlined application process, the scheme is expected to reduce cultivation costs, boost production, and economically empower farmers, especially smallholders.