The Bihar government has started a new plan for betel farming. Now betel farming will not only be a tradition but also a business with modern tools and science.
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said the government has started the “Pan Vikas Yojana.” This plan will give farmers money help and farming guidance in betel areas.
This plan will help farmers earn more and will also save and promote the name of Magahi Paan and Desi Paan. The plan is for two years, from 2024–25 to 2025–26. For 2025–26, the government has approved ₹4.99 crore (four crore ninety-nine lakh thirty-seven thousand five hundred rupees).
Grants for Betel Farmers in Bihar
The Deputy Chief Minister said the main goal of this scheme is to give grants to farmers in seven betel leaf districts – Nalanda, Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad, Sheikhpura, Vaishali and Saran. The help will be for expanding betel farming, to increase both production and farmer income. Farmers will get grants up to ₹35,250 for betel leaf farming.
Who Will Get the Benefit
The scheme will support both individual farmers and FPC members who grow Magahi and Desi betel leaf. The grant will be for farming on land from 100 square meters (0.01 hectare) to 300 square meters. Farmers will get between ₹11,750 to ₹35,250. The names of beneficiaries will be chosen by an online lottery system to keep it fair and clear.
The Directorate of Horticulture will also train farmers and give them knowledge about new farming methods. Sinha said this scheme will give a scientific base to traditional betel farming in Bihar. It will also improve farmer income and protect the special identity of betel leaf.