Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana is an initiative taken by the Maharashtra state government in an attempt to popularize the fruit orchard cultivation activity among farmers. This 100% subsidy scheme supports eligible farmers to develop orchards in their agricultural fields, which ultimately contributes to the financial upliftment of the farming community. This is specifically for those farmers who want to diversify their farming activities and raise more income through various fruit crops.
The scheme has been launched by the Maharashtra government under the Agriculture Department and has received momentum since its initiation. Its main aim is to develop horticulture in the state, which will help farmers in acquiring the required resources to build and maintain orchards.
In this detailed guide, we will take you through the information of the Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.
Table of Contents
What is Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana?
The Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana, also known as the Orchard Plantation Scheme, was begun to help farmers grow orchards on their land that would be used for planting fruit crops. The financial support is fully provided for by the government, through which farmers can establish orchards for a variety of fruit crops and maintain these orchards. The money is given in phases in three years to ensure proper establishment and maintenance of an orchard.
The main aim of this scheme is to boost the area under orchard farming in Maharashtra so that the income generating potential of farmers can be increased. With the help of this scheme, the high-demand fruits like mangoes, guavas, pomegranates, and many more are produced by farmers, which not only generate profit but also contribute to the welfare of the state’s agricultural ecosystem.
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Key Features of the Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana
1. 100% Subsidy for Fruit Orchard Development : For the farmers availing this scheme, they are eligible for 100% subsidy on orchard cultivation. The subsidy comes in phases: 50% subsidy in the first year; 30% subsidy in the second year; 20% subsidy in the third year. However, to avail subsidy in the second and third years of planting, farmers have to maintain a certain survival percentage of the trees planted in the orchard:
dryland trees – 80%
horticultural trees- 90%
If these targets are not achieved, farmers have to bear the cost of the replacement of the plants for the subsidy to be received.
2. Eligible crops: The scheme encourages farming a variety of fruit crops. Here is a list of crops that can be raised under the scheme.
Mango, guava, pomegranate, citrus fruits, paper lemon, custard apple, amla, coconut, tamarind, chickpea and fig are the crops of West Maharashtra.
Marathwada Region: Mango, citrus, paper lemon, custard apple, fig, guava, pomegranate, orange, chiku, amla, tamarind, and jambhol.
3. Area Coverage : Konkan region: Minimum 0.10 hectare and maximum up to 10 hectares
Other regions: Minimum 0.20 hectares and maximum 6.00 hectares
This makes the scheme accessible to both small and large-scale farmers.
4. Support for Drip Irrigation: The other prerequisite to become a part of the scheme is the use of drip irrigation in the fields, which ensures the proper and efficient use of water because it is essential for a successful orchard growth.
Benefits of Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana
The scheme provides numerous benefits to farmers:
- Financial Support: The main advantage is the 100% subsidy, which reduces the financial burden of the farmer. This way, farmers can plant fruit orchards without having to worry about the initial costs.
- Increased Income: The diversification of crops by fruit orchards can bring in more income for the farmer from agricultural activities. High-value fruits can sell at good prices in the market, making orchard farming a profitable venture.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Orchard farming ensures sustainability in agriculture because the dependency on traditional crops decreases. It also ensures maintaining soil fertility and balance in the ecosystem.
- Boost to Horticulture Sector: This scheme fosters growth in the horticulture sector of Maharashtra, which is very promising for the state’s both domestic and international markets.
- Long-term Benefits: Once fruit orchards are developed, the income for the farmer will continue for several years and therefore ensures long-term security of the pocket.
Eligibility Criteria for Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana
Not all farmers in the state of Maharashtra are eligible for the scheme. However, to apply for this scheme, the farmers should fulfill the following criteria:
- Residency: Residing in Maharashtra is a requirement for the application.
- Farmer Status: Only individual farmers can apply. Those farmers affiliated with organizations or cooperatives are not eligible.
- Ownership: The farmer needs to own the land to be planted with the orchard. If the land is jointly owned, all co-owners need to give their consent.
- Drip Irrigation: Installation of drip irrigation system is a must on the farm for eligibility under the scheme.
- Preference: Preference would be given to farmers who depend entirely on agriculture.
- Previous Participation: If a farmer has previously planted fruit crops under any government scheme, they are eligible for this subsidy for areas not covered by other schemes.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana, farmers must submit the following documents:
- Aadhar card
- 7/12 land record document
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Consent letter (if the land is jointly owned)
- Aadhar-linked bank account details
- Soil test report (for specific crops like paper lemon, orange, and citrus)
How to Apply for Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana
Applying for the Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana is a simple and online process.
- Navigate to the official government website for the program, which may be found at https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in.
- Click on the Farmers section option at the home page.
- From the list of schemes provided from the Farmers section, choose Bhausaheb Fundkar Fruit Garden Plantation Scheme.
- A new screen will be opened with option “New Applicant Registration” and click on it.
- Fill the application form with proper information.
- Upload the documents, such as Aadhar card, land records, and bank details.
- Submit the application.
- After the application is processed and approved, the subsidy will be released in phases according to the guidelines.
Important Considerations for Applicants
- Tree Survival Rate: To avail the subsidy in subsequent years, the farmers have to ensure that the planted trees survive at the required survival rates.
- Planting Time: The orchard planting time is from June to March, and the farmers are advised to plant fruit crops that are suggested by agricultural universities for their respective agro-climatic zones.
- Approved Nurseries: The farmers can get the certified plant cutting from the approved nurseries. The Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Universities also provide support to the approved nurseries.
Helpline Number
Phone Number : 022-61316429
FAQs About the Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana
1Q. What is the subsidy amount under the Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana?
The subsidy amount is 100% for orchard cultivation, which is disbursed in phases: 50% in the first year, 30% in the second year, and 20% in the third year, depending on the survival rate of trees.
2Q. Can non-Maharashtra residents apply for this scheme?
No, only farmers who are residents of Maharashtra are eligible for the scheme.
3Q. Are farmers required to install drip irrigation systems?
Yes, there is a mandatory requirement for having a drip irrigation system to be eligible to apply for the scheme.
4Q. How do I get into the scheme?
Applicants can submit their application online through the Maharashtra state government portal. There are necessary documents that must be uploaded along with filling in the application form.
5Q. What if the survival rate of my trees goes below the percentage stipulated?
The replacement of plants in case of low survival rates will be the farmers’ burden since the necessary survival rate will have not been met.
Conclusion
The Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Yojana is an excellent scheme for farmers in Maharashtra as it provides them with a chance to diversify their agricultural activities and increase their income through fruit orchards. In this scheme, farmers receive full financial support from the government, and there are no initial investment costs as the government bears everything. Cultivating fruits that have a high demand like mangoes, guavas, and pomegranates can ensure long-term financial stability for farmers while contributing to the development of the horticulture sector in the state.
Whether you are a small-scale farmer or manage a larger agricultural operation, this scheme offers significant benefits that can help you achieve a successful orchard cultivation venture.