Paan Vikas Yojana: The central and state governments offer subsidies for the cultivation of various cash crops to enhance farmers’ income. In this context, the Horticulture Directorate of the Bihar Government has introduced a grant for the financial year 2024-25 as part of the Paan Vikas Yojana.
50% subsidy on the cultivation of betel leaf
This initiative provides farmers with a 50% subsidy on the cultivation of betel leaf. The total cultivation cost for betel leaf over an area of 300 square meters has been set at Rs 70,500, with the Bihar government covering half of this amount, amounting to a maximum subsidy of Rs 35,250. Farmers cultivating betel leaf within the range of 100 to 300 square meters are eligible for this scheme.
Farmers from these districts can take advantage
According to the Bihar Horticulture Directorate, farmers from seven districts—Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Vaishali, and Saran—can benefit from the subsidy under the Betel Development Scheme. Applications for this scheme commenced on February 25, 2025, and the deadline for submission is March 25, 2025. Beneficiaries will be selected through a lottery system.
Who can apply and how to apply
Both individual farmers and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) can participate, although only one family member may receive the benefit. Each farmer can apply for a minimum of 100 square meters and a maximum of 300 square meters. To apply online, farmers should visit the official website of the Horticulture Department at https://horticulture.bihar.gov.in, navigate to the ‘Apply’ link for the Paan Vikas Yojana, and complete the required details. For further information, farmers may contact the Assistant Director of Horticulture in their respective districts.