Bihar farmers to get up to ₹93,863 subsidy for lady rosetta potato farming, scheme launched in 30 districts

Farmers in Bihar planning to cultivate potatoes for processing industries can now apply for financial assistance under a new area expansion scheme. The state government has invited applications for Lady Rosetta potato cultivation during 2026-27, with the objective of increasing the area under this processing-suitable variety.

Under the scheme, eligible farmers can receive financial assistance of up to ₹93,863 per hectare towards seed and other cultivation-related expenses. The subsidy will be released in two instalments, and farmers will need to apply online to avail the benefit.

Farmers in These 30 Districts Can Apply:

1. The Lady Rosetta Potato Area Expansion Scheme has been implemented in 30 districts of Bihar. These districts are:
2. Aurangabad, Banka, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gaya, Gopalganj, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Muzaffarpur, Munger, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna, Purnia, Rohtas, Samastipur, Saran, Sheikhpura, Sitamarhi, Siwan, Supaul, Vaishali and West Champaran.
3. Farmers from these districts who meet the applicable conditions can apply for assistance to cultivate the Lady Rosetta variety.

Minimum 0.1 Hectare Land Required:

1. To qualify for the scheme, farmers must cultivate Lady Rosetta potatoes on at least 0.25 acre, equivalent to 0.1 hectare of land.
2. Assistance will be available for a maximum area of 5 acres, equivalent to 2 hectares. Therefore, farmers can claim the benefit within the prescribed minimum and maximum cultivation limits, subject to the scheme's conditions.

30 Quintals of Seed Required per Hectare:

1. The estimated seed requirement for Lady Rosetta potato cultivation has been fixed at 30 quintals per hectare.
2. For calculating the seed cost, ₹4,000 per quintal or the actual seed price, whichever is lower, will be considered.
3. The estimated total cultivation cost, including seed, has been fixed at ₹1,25,150 per hectare. The government will provide assistance of up to 75% of this cost under the scheme.

Subsidy of Up to ₹93,863 per Hectare:

1. Eligible farmers can receive assistance of 75% of the approved cost, up to ₹93,863 per hectare.
2. The amount will not be paid in a single instalment. Instead, the subsidy will be released in two stages.
3. The first instalment of ₹70,397 per hectare will be provided for the purchase of inputs and agricultural materials. After the potato planting is completed, the department will conduct a site inspection and physical verification.
4. Once the required verification has been completed, the eligible farmer will receive the second instalment of ₹23,466 per hectare.

Subsidy Will Be Paid in Two Instalments:

The second instalment will be released after the department conducts a site inspection and physical verification following potato planting.

Why Is Lady Rosetta Potato Important?

1. Lady Rosetta is among the potato varieties primarily used for processing and processed food products. This processing suitability is one of the reasons the state government is focusing on expanding cultivation of this variety.
2. For farmers, growing a variety linked to processing requirements can provide an opportunity to produce according to industry demand. However, before starting cultivation, farmers should check the availability of buyers, local markets and procurement arrangements in their area.

Land Ownership Documents Are Required:

1. Farmers applying for the scheme will have to provide valid documents related to the land being used for cultivation.
2. Depending on the applicable requirements, documents may include a land ownership certificate, revenue receipt updated for up to two years, online updated revenue receipt, or a valid land ownership certificate based on genealogy.
3. If the applicant's name is not clearly mentioned in the land records, the relevant land documents will need to be accompanied by the required genealogy document (Vanshavali).

Non-Raiyat Farmers Can Also Apply:

1. The scheme also provides an option for farmers who do not have ownership documents for the land they cultivate.
2. Non-raiyat farmers can avail the benefit on the basis of the prescribed Ekraarnama (land agreement). The specified format of the agreement is available through the Bihar Horticulture Department's portal.
3. Farmers falling under this category should use the prescribed format and complete the required details before submitting their application.

Check Your DBT-Linked Bank Account:

1. Farmers applying for the subsidy should verify their DBT-linked bank account before submitting the application.
2. The bank account should be active and the details entered in the application should be correct. Any error in the account information or a problem with the DBT record could affect the subsidy payment process.

Subsidy Payment Through CFMS:

1. The approved financial assistance under the scheme will be transferred through the DBT programme using CFMS.
2. This means the subsidy payment will be processed through the designated banking mechanism and transferred to the eligible farmer's bank account.
3. Farmers should therefore take particular care while entering their bank account number and other banking details in the application form.

Important Things to Check Before Applying:

1. Farmers interested in Lady Rosetta potato cultivation should first confirm that their district is included among the 30 districts covered by the scheme.
2. They should then check whether their proposed cultivation area falls within the prescribed 0.1-hectare minimum and 2-hectare maximum limit. All required land and identity-related documents should also be kept ready.
3. Farmers should verify their DBT-linked bank account before applying. If the applicant's name is not clearly available in the land records, the required genealogy document should be arranged. Non-raiyat farmers should keep the prescribed Ekraarnama ready.

Where and How to Apply?

1. Farmers interested in the scheme can submit their applications through the online portal of the Bihar Horticulture Department.
2. Before submitting the form, applicants should carefully read the eligibility requirements, documentation rules and other conditions of the scheme.
3. Farmers can also contact the concerned Horticulture Department official or district-level office for information about the application process and other scheme-related requirements.

FAQs:

1. How much subsidy is available for Lady Rosetta potato cultivation?
Eligible farmers can receive up to ₹93,863 per hectare.

2. What is the minimum land requirement?
Farmers need to cultivate Lady Rosetta potatoes on at least 0.1 hectare or 0.25 acre.

3. How many Bihar districts are covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers 30 districts of Bihar.

4. How will the subsidy be paid?
The assistance will be paid in two instalments: ₹70,397 first and ₹23,466 after inspection and verification.

5. Can non-raiyat farmers apply for the scheme?
Yes. Non-raiyat farmers can apply using the prescribed Ekraarnama or land agreement, subject to the applicable conditions.