Tea Farming Subsidy: Government to Provide 50% Assistance in Bihar, Farmers in 5 Districts Can Apply Online

Bihar government is promoting tea cultivation under the Tea Development Scheme 2026-27 to expand the area under tea farming in the state. Under the scheme, farmers in five districts will be able to apply online for assistance to develop new tea cultivation areas.

The scheme provides support for different activities, ranging from the purchase and planting of tea planting material to the management of existing tea gardens. Farmers interested in expanding tea cultivation should check the eligibility conditions and other requirements before submitting their applications.

Tea Cultivation to Be Expanded in 5 Districts:

1. During 2026-27, the Tea Development Scheme will support the expansion of tea cultivation in Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Purnia and Katihar.
2. Eligible farmers from these five districts can apply under the scheme to develop new areas for tea cultivation.
3. Farmers starting tea cultivation in a new area will have to purchase the required planting material themselves. The tea plants and other planting material must initially be purchased by the farmer, after which the subsidy will be provided according to the conditions and provisions of the scheme.

Subsidy Will Be Released in Two Instalments:

1. The assistance for developing a new tea cultivation area will not be paid in a single instalment. Under the scheme, the subsidy will be released in two instalments in a 75:25 ratio.
2. The survival of the newly planted tea plants will be an important condition for receiving the second instalment. If at least 90% of the tea plants planted in the previous year are found to be alive, the remaining 25% assistance will be paid during the financial year 2027-28.
3. This provision is aimed at ensuring proper care and establishment of newly planted tea areas.

Important Rule for Farmers Taking New Tea Areas:

1. The scheme also includes an important condition for farmers applying for assistance to expand tea cultivation into new areas.
2. Farmers who receive benefits for new tea area expansion will not be eligible to receive benefits under other horticulture components. Therefore, farmers should carefully check the eligibility conditions and scheme rules before submitting an application.

Assistance Also Available for Existing Tea Gardens:

1. The scheme is not limited to farmers starting tea cultivation in new areas. Farmers who already have tea gardens can also receive assistance for certain horticulture components related to garden management.
2. One such provision is the availability of a leaf collection shed at a subsidised rate. Farmers will need to meet the prescribed land-area requirement to receive assistance under this component.

Up to ₹37,500 Subsidy for Leaf Collection Shed:

1. The leaf collection shed component is available to farmers cultivating tea on at least 5 acres, equivalent to 2 hectares, of land.
2. Under this component, the subsidy will be 50% of the actual cost of the shed or ₹37,500, whichever is lower.
3. This means that even if the actual cost of the shed is higher, the maximum assistance available under the scheme will remain limited to ₹37,500.

Why Is the Tea Development Scheme Important for Farmers?

1. Tea cultivation is already being carried out in several districts of Bihar's Seemanchal region. The Tea Development Scheme 2026-27 focuses on both expanding tea cultivation into new areas and improving the management of existing tea gardens.
2. Support for new plantations and essential resources used in tea gardens can help eligible farmers expand their cultivated area and manage existing plantations.
3. Farmers interested in the Tea Development Scheme 2026-27 should check the eligibility criteria, required documents and application procedure before applying through the prescribed online process. It is important to read all scheme conditions carefully before submitting the application to avoid problems while claiming the subsidy.

FAQs:

1. What is the Tea Development Scheme 2026-27?

The Tea Development Scheme 2026-27 is a Bihar government scheme aimed at expanding tea cultivation and supporting the management of existing tea gardens.

2. Which districts are covered under the scheme?

The scheme covers Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Purnia and Katihar for new tea cultivation areas.

3. How is the tea cultivation subsidy paid?

The subsidy for developing a new tea cultivation area is released in two instalments in a 75:25 ratio. The second instalment is linked to plant survival.

4. What is the subsidy for a leaf collection shed?

Eligible farmers can receive 50% of the actual cost or ₹37,500, whichever is lower, for a leaf collection shed.

5. Who can get assistance for a leaf collection shed?

Farmers cultivating tea on at least 5 acres (2 hectares) of land can receive assistance under the leaf collection shed component, subject to the scheme's conditions.