The Bihar government has launched the “Rooftop Gardening Scheme” to promote the production of fruits, flowers, and vegetables in urban areas. The scheme aims to encourage people to grow plants on the rooftops of their homes. It has been implemented in urban areas of Patna, Bhagalpur, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur. The scheme consists of two major components: the Farming Bed Scheme and the Pot Scheme.
Under the Farming Bed Scheme, a 75% subsidy is provided, where the total cost for gardening in an area of 300 square feet is ₹48,574, with a subsidy of ₹36,430.50. In the Pot Scheme, a subsidy of ₹6,731.25 is provided for a cost of ₹8,975 per unit. The scheme includes 78.6% of the general category, 20% of the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, and 1.4% of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, with 30% priority given to women. Through this scheme, the government aims to make urban areas more green while also helping people set up rooftop gardens with financial support.
What is the Farming Bed Scheme?
The Farming Bed Scheme requires 300 square feet of space for rooftop farming. The total cost of this scheme is ₹48,574 per unit, out of which the government provides a 75% subsidy, i.e., ₹36,430.50. The beneficiary only needs to pay ₹12,143.50. Under this scheme, beneficiaries are provided with various facilities, such as portable farming systems, organic gardening kits, fruit plants, sprayers, drip systems, and on-site support for advanced farming. Homeowners can avail themselves of a maximum of two units under this scheme. However, apartment residents can only access this scheme with the permission of their housing society. Educational institutions and other organizations can benefit from up to five units.
Materials Provided under the Farming Bed Scheme
The beneficiaries will receive all the necessary farming equipment, which includes:
- Portable Farming System (40 sq. ft. cultivation area + 30 sq. ft. walk area)
- Organic Gardening Kit (for 9 months)
- Fruit Plant Bags (6 units)
- Round Bags for Growing Spinach (5 units)
- Drip system, motor, and bucket
- Monthly on-site support (18 visits)
What is the Pot Scheme?
If someone doesn’t have 300 square feet of space for rooftop farming, they can opt for the Pot Scheme. The total cost of the Pot Scheme is ₹8,975 per unit, with a government subsidy of 75%, i.e., ₹6,731.25. The beneficiary is required to pay only ₹2,243.75. This scheme allows individuals to grow fruits, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, and permanent flowering plants. A beneficiary can avail themselves of up to five units of this scheme. Institutions are not eligible for this scheme.
Materials Provided under the Pot Scheme
Under the Pot Scheme, beneficiaries will have the opportunity to grow various types of plants, including:
Fruit Plants: Guava, mango, lemon, sapota, banana, apple, plum (maximum 5 plants)
Medicinal/Aromatic Plants: Mint, basil, aloe vera, ashwagandha, stevia, curry leaves, lemon grass, vasak (maximum 5 plants)
Permanent Flowering Plants: Rose, tagor, jasmine, hibiscus, almonda, bougainvillea (maximum 10 plants)
Ornamental Plants: Areca palm, money plant, snake plant, croton, syngonium, Christmas plant (maximum 10 plants)
How do you apply for the Rooftop Gardening Scheme?
To avail the benefits of the Rooftop Gardening Scheme, interested individuals can apply online by visiting the official website of the Horticulture Directorate of the Government of Bihar. After applying, the beneficiary will need to deposit their share of the amount under the scheme. Once the payment is made to the respective bank account, the further process will be initiated.
